Online Reporter
PRICKLY Arne Slot went on the defensive as he was asked about Mo Salah’s bombshell claims for the first time.
The Egyptian, 33, said he was “thrown under the bus” after being left on the bench for the entirety of the Reds’ 3-3 draw at Leeds on Saturday.
After the match, Salah delivered a stunning rant – claiming “someone doesn’t want me in the club”.
The wideman trained with his team-mates on Monday, but has been dropped entirely for Tuesday night’s clash with Inter Milan.
Immediately quizzed about Salah during his pre-match press conference, Slot took issue with one reporter, and hit back: “You only have three questions…”
Asked if he believes that Salah has played his last game for Liverpool, Slot admitted: “I have no clue. I cannot answer that question at this moment in time.”
And further probed over the incident, the Dutchman said: “He has every right to feel how he feels.
“But he doesn’t have the right to share that with the media.”
Slot added: “When a player says things like that, we reacted – you can see he’s not here.”
Asked if he felt Salah’s barbs were directed personally at himself, Slot added: “The only one who can answer is Mo himself. I can guess but it’s hard for me to tell who he means.
“We know he’s not travelling with us. That was the only communication from us to him.
“I don’t feel our relationship has broken down but he has the right to feel how he feels things.
“Usually when I don’t play players they don’t like the manager too much.
“Mo had been respectful to the staff so it was a surprise to me when he gave those comments.
“I’m not sure if he was emotional or not but my reaction is clear. He is not with us tonight.”
Slot’s comments were followed by a blistering attack on Salah by Jamie Carragher.
Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Wolves, the Kop legend blasted: “I thought it was a disgrace what he did after the game.
“Some people have painted it as an emotional outburst, I don’t think it was.
“I think whenever Mo Salah stops in the mixed zone, which he’s done four times in eight years at Liverpool it’s choreographed between him and his agent to cause maximum damage and to strengthen his own position.”
Following Slot, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was also asked about Salah.
The Brazilian, 33, said: “I hope he plays again for the club but that’s a personal situation between Mo and the club.
“We as his team-mates and his friends we hope the best thing happens for him, but as Liverpool FC players we want the best for the club. We want a win-win for him and the club.
“My relationship with the manager is fine.” – Sun
Mathew Masinge