After Salah’s public criticism of Liverpool’s board and manager Slot, their conflict has officially been thrust into the open, reaching an irreparable state. For Liverpool’s management, swift decisions are required; supporting one side will play a crucial role in resolving the issue and finding an answer to the growing tension. While this may seem extreme, for top-tier clubs, sometimes progress hinges on decisions and choices, much like the unexpected outcomes we often see in a BD Cricket match, where every move can change the course of the game.
Not only is the outside world waiting for their “response,” but the club’s own fans are also eagerly anticipating their “stance.” As the club’s higher-ups, they hold this responsibility. Several English media outlets and journalists close to Liverpool’s inner circle have reported that, after much deliberation, the club’s leadership has chosen to fully back manager Slot, while criticizing Salah for his public dissatisfaction. It seems that while Salah is set to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, he will still remain with the squad for the time being, at least for training.
Many local news agencies have echoed the board’s position, calling Salah’s actions “betrayal” and destructive to the Liverpool dressing room (The Guardian, The Times, BBC). However, after making such statements, whether Salah will still be included in the squad for the upcoming Champions League group match away to Inter Milan is now in question. Additionally, with a home game against Brighton next week, it remains uncertain whether he will be given a chance to play. Before his outburst, Salah had planned to travel to Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations after facing Brighton, but now the situation has taken an unexpected turn, potentially disrupting his planned “farewell.”
Liverpool’s board believes that manager Slot has full autonomy in his decision-making, and thus, he should be given more support. Players, on the other hand, should respond to match-related issues with a professional attitude, rather than airing grievances in the media. Adding to the complexity is Salah’s salary issue, which has pushed him toward a potential transfer window exit. This isn’t the first time Salah has encountered similar issues—there were also conflicts with Klopp in the past, and at one point, the club nearly sold him to Saudi Arabia. Whether this time he will “return home” remains to be seen.
Interestingly, data agencies predict a completely opposite scenario. While the owners have temporarily supported Slot, his performance has been poor. If Salah doesn’t impress during his international fixtures, it could lead to Slot’s dismissal. When Salah returns, the club’s head coach could be someone else, providing a potential opening for his return. Just like in a BD Cricket match, where every twist and turn could bring about unexpected changes, this could be a pivotal moment in Salah’s future at the club.