The turmoil behind the scenes at Liverpool gained a new chapter this Monday (8/12). Goalkeeper Alisson Becker spoke about the controversy created after the statements of Mohamed Salah, who complained of having been “abandoned” by the club in the middle of the bad moment of the season. This episode led to the absence of the striker during the match against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
At a press conference, Alisson stressed his respect for the Egyptian, but said public stances have consequences.
“We have a personal relationship with him. I played with Salah for a long time. He is a good person, a legend and a symbol of Liverpool. I am not happy with the situation, but we have no time to regret it. We have to focus on the match,” the Brazilian said.
Salah was left out of the starting line-up in three consecutive matches and, after failing to come off the bench against Leeds and West Ham, he criticized the club, saying he was being used as a “scapegoat”. These statements angered the management and the coaching team, who chose to exclude him from the trip to the continental match.
According to Alisson, friendship does not prevent having a clear vision of the episode: “I haven’t spoken to him about it yet, I want to talk. We are good friends, I want the best for him and for the club. He can express himself, but he must also assume the consequences of his actions”, he declared.
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Alisson, Liverpool goalkeeper.
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Slot reacts to criticism
Coach Arne Slot was also questioned in the interview ahead of the Inter clash. The coach explained that Salah’s absence was a direct response to his statements.
“We informed him that he would not be participating in the trip. That was the only communication necessary. We responded to what he said,” Slot said.
The commander stressed that his recent decisions were driven by tactical adjustments, with the team being vulnerable defensively. He therefore opted for more presence in midfield and left Salah as a substitute.
“I don’t feel betrayed, but the situation has had an impact. He can express his feelings, but not through the press,” he added.
Growing pressure
The streak of poor results, combined with public discontent from one of the club’s biggest idols, has raised alarm bells at Anfield. Salah, the centerpiece of the Reds’ recent success, is experiencing a rare moment of instability with the club.
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