What started as a quiet tactical disagreement has exploded into the biggest crisis of Arne Slot’s reign. Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s talisman and the man who carried the club to last season’s Premier League title, now finds himself frozen out, publicly humiliated, and openly questioning whether the manager even wants him at Anfield. Three consecutive league benchings, a furious post-match rant after the 3-3 collapse against Leeds, and a pointed Instagram gym selfie have turned a simmering tension into all-out warfare. As Liverpool limp through their worst run in over a decade, the question is no longer about tactics — it’s about power, loyalty, and whether the Salah era is ending in the most acrimonious way imaginable.

What’s Actually Happened (December 2025)

It began quietly in late November when Salah lost his place after a 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest. He was an unused substitute in the win over West Ham, came on ineffectually at half-time in a 1-1 draw with Sunderland, and then sat out the entire 3-3 collapse against Leeds on December 6.

That night, Salah detonated in the mixed zone: “The club has thrown me under the bus… Someone doesn’t want me here. My relationship with the manager has broken down.” He hinted the upcoming Brighton game could be his last in a Liverpool shirt.

Slot responded calmly but firmly the next day, omitting Salah from the Champions League squad to face Inter Milan and saying he was “surprised” by the comments. Liverpool won 1-0 in Milan without Salah (Szoboszlai scoring the penalty Salah would normally take), and the away end chanted Slot’s name.

Key points that was consistently reported since then:

• Liverpool’s hierarchy (Michael Edwards, Richard Hughes) are 100% behind Slot; there is zero contact with any managerial alternatives.

• No formal offers from Saudi Arabia have arrived, and Salah has not asked to leave.

• The club was genuinely shocked by Salah’s public outburst and sees the benchings as legitimate tactical/disciplinary decisions.

• Slot remains open to reintegrating Salah, but only if the player takes the first step toward reconciliation.

• Internal discussions about Salah’s involvement against Brighton began on December 11; the final call will come after a face-to-face meeting on December 12.

The Real Fault Lines

Tactically, Slot wants a more collective pressing and positional game; Salah has privately told the staff that being asked to track full-backs deep into his own box would “completely change my numbers.” New signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have flopped so far, which has only heightened the focus on Salah’s reduced role.

Emotionally, Salah feels he is being made the scapegoat for a collective slump. Many inside the dressing room, per multiple sources including Romano, were irritated by the timing and tone of his Leeds interview, especially with the Inter game 72 hours away.

Where It Stands Today (December 12, 2025)

Slot confirmed this morning: “I will speak with Mo today. After that conversation we decide if he is involved tomorrow.”

Latest update: “The ball is in Salah’s court. He wants to stay and play for Liverpool, but the club will not back down on supporting Arne Slot. Reconciliation is possible, but it has to come from Mo acknowledging the situation.”

Brighton tomorrow, then Salah joins Egypt for AFCON in January. Whatever happens in the next 48 hours will likely decide whether this is a painful chapter… or the beginning of the end. ✍️