Klopp’s past words on Salah hit harder as Arne Slot fallout shakes Liverpool

December 9, 2025 Oliver Obel

Salah was again left out of the starting lineup in Saturday’s 3–3 draw with Leeds, and afterwards he offered one of his bluntest assessments yet of the situation.

Speaking in the mixed zone, he told reporters in remarks carried by the Liverpool Echo that his connection with Slot had “completely” broken down. “I used to have a good relationship (with Slot),” he said. “Now we don't have any relationship and I don't know why. (It) seems like someone does not want me in the club.”

He added that he had asked his parents to attend the upcoming home match against Brighton, suggesting he wanted to savour the atmosphere regardless of his role. The forward also acknowledged uncertainty as he prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations, saying he hoped to “say goodbye to the fans” before leaving for international duty.

Salah’s absence comes at a delicate moment for Liverpool, who are still adjusting to Slot’s methods while juggling injuries and an evolving forward line.

Klopp’s long-standing admiration

Salah’s current frustrations have inevitably prompted comparisons to his time under Klopp, whose relationship with the Egyptian while imperfect was often built on trust and mutual respect.

During contract discussions in 2023, Klopp publicly urged Liverpool to retain their star forward. In comments reported by The Guardian, he said Salah was “a fantastic player, a fantastic human being, an outstanding athlete… the best ambassador your country could have.”

Klopp often framed Salah as a defining figure of his era at Anfield, noting that he had become “the biggest striker Liverpool have had in modern times.” Those remarks, made during a moment of organisational uncertainty, carry renewed weight as questions now swirl around Salah’s future once again.

Flashpoints never fully disappeared

Even during Klopp’s tenure, tensions occasionally surfaced. A touchline confrontation at West Ham in April 2024 widely circulated on social media became the subject of intense debate. Asked about it afterwards, Salah hinted there would be “fire” if he explained further.

Klopp, speaking in his post-match press conference and quoted by the Liverpool Echo, downplayed the disagreement. He emphasised that long-established respect allowed them to handle such moments privately, adding that team selection pressures late in the season had contributed to the exchange.

What this means for Liverpool

Salah’s situation now presents Liverpool with a complicated balancing act. He remains central to the club’s attacking identity, yet the approaching AFCON break, the shift in managerial philosophy, and the public tone of recent comments have all increased uncertainty around his medium-term future.

Supporters will watch closely over the coming weeks not only to see whether Salah and Slot can repair their relationship, but also to understand whether this tension marks a temporary rift or the start of a larger transition at Anfield.

Sources: Liverpool Echo, The Guardian.