Liverpool have tried to allay fears of discord within the club, after Mohamed Salah apologised to colleagues after making comments in public on his relationship with manager Arne Slot, stating that the team was concentrated and strong.
The controversy started when Liverpool drew Leeds United (6 December) when Salah complained of his treatment at the club. The forward alleged that he was a victim of being thrown under the bus and alluded that there was a breakdown in communication with Slot, which caused a wide discussion among fans and analysts.
On Friday, midfielder Curtis Jones confirmed that Salah had approached the squad privately to explain his words and apologise in case of any unintentional effect.
Jones said he was told the truth by him. He was not under obligation to do so, but that is what Mo is. He ensured that nobody was not aware that it was not aimed at segregating anyone.
Head coach Arne Slot also underestimated the matter claiming that there were no outstanding issues between him and the top scorer of the club. Slot emphasized that the recent cases with Salah ought to be evaluated on the basis of actions, but not speculation.
Words are empty, said Slot. “We moved on.”
On 9 December, Salah was omitted by Liverpool in their squad that won by a slim margin in the Champions League against Inter Milan, but Slot afterwards clarified that this was tactical and not disciplinary. Salah came back to the team shortly after and he is still at the center of the Liverpool schemes before the Africa Cup of Nations.
Liverpool are much behind front runners Arsenal in the premier league with 26 points. Although the shape of the club has been fluctuating this season, senior individuals are eager to make sure the story off the field does not shadow their quest towards a top four position.
As Salah is about to play in AFCON representing Egypt, Liverpool hope that the issue is positively resolved and the team moves on to concentrate on the results at a critical stage of the campaign.
