A Private Meeting That Could Change Everything

Liverpool’s internal atmosphere has shifted dramatically, and the uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah has become the club’s dominant storyline. After days de tension over his reduced minutes, Arne Slot confirmed that he will meet with the Egyptian star before deciding whether he plays against Brighton. The manager kept the details under wraps, signaling that the matter requires discretion and direct dialogue.

This approach reflects just how fragile the situation has become. After Salah was left out of the starting lineup for multiple matches and Liverpool dropped critical points, frustration has mounted both inside and outside the dressing room. Slot acknowledged the conversations between Salah, his representatives, and the club, but avoided fueling the controversy further.

A Rift Exposed Through Performances and Decisions

The tension escalated after Salah publicly expressed frustration following his third consecutive match without starting—an unprecedented scenario for one of Liverpool’s all-time greats. His reaction after the 3–3 draw against Leeds made clear that he feels undervalued at a moment when the team desperately needs leadership and goals.

Slot, meanwhile, insists he has no desire to see Salah leave, yet maintains an evasive stance when questioned. His shutdown of reporters—“The next time I talk about Mo will be with him, not here”—revealed both the sensitivity of the situation and the manager’s commitment to handling it behind closed doors.

AFCON 2025 Looms Over an Already Fragile Relationship

The timing of this conflict could hardly be worse. With AFCON 2025 just days away, Salah is expected to leave for national team duty immediately after the Brighton match. For Liverpool, this means potentially losing their biggest star in the middle of an unresolved issue, which only amplifies the uncertainty.

Salah’s exclusion from the Champions League trip to face Inter Milan added further weight to the narrative that something deeper is unraveling. Whether his absence was tactical, disciplinary, or a matter of form, the message was unmistakable: the harmony between Salah and Liverpool has cracked.

A Decision That Will Shape Liverpool’s Path Forward

As the club prepares for its next league fixture, all eyes are on the outcome of the meeting between Slot and Salah. Their conversation could bring clarity, ease tensions, or widen the divide—each scenario with heavy implications for the remainder of Liverpool’s season.

The team needs stability, goals and leadership. Salah needs clarity, respect and a defined role. What happens in this private “encerrona” will determine whether Liverpool begins to mend its wounds or sees them deepen even further.