Liverpool owners settle the debate in Salah and Slot saga

December 8, 2025 Oliver Obel

Liverpool’s ownership has attempted to calm internal tensions after a dramatic evening at Elland Road, where a dropped lead, a frustrated star forward and growing concern over form converged into an uncomfortable spotlight. Reporting from The Times’ Paul Joyce indicates that Fenway Sports Group (FSG) continues to back head coach Arne Slot despite rising external unease.

Liverpool’s draw itself offered little relief. Leeds erased an early 2–0 deficit, and although Dominik Szoboszlai briefly restored Liverpool’s advantage, Ao Tanaka’s late equaliser summed up a spell in which the team has struggled to protect leads or impose control. The lapse extended a run that has raised questions around Slot’s early months in charge.

Yet the match quickly faded into the background. Salah, left on the bench throughout, delivered an unusually forthright interview afterward. As reported by The Times, he said he felt “thrown under the bus” and suggested his relationship with Slot had deteriorated remarks that landed heavily given both his seniority and his typically reserved public demeanour.

Pundits and supporters reacted swiftly. Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen was among those questioning the timing of the forward’s comments, especially with the club navigating one of its most uneven stretches in years. According to Joyce’s reporting, Liverpool have suffered nine defeats in their last 15 matches across competitions, including bruising losses to Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City context that frames the heightened scrutiny on Slot.

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Despite that backdrop, The Times reported that FSG remains intent on giving Slot the chance to stabilise the team. Joyce noted that while ownership intends to show patience, “patience will not be limitless,” and that any decision on Slot’s tenure will be driven by results rather than Salah’s dissatisfaction.

Salah’s reduced role has added another layer of uncertainty. He has five goals this season but has started none of Liverpool’s past three matches. Joyce reported that he was omitted from the XI against West Ham, introduced only after halftime at Sunderland, and unused entirely at Leeds. With his Africa Cup of Nations departure looming on December 15, the forward unsettled the picture further by hinting that this weekend’s match against Brighton could be his final outing for the club despite signing a new two-year deal in April.

For Liverpool, the immediate priority is shifting attention back to the pitch. Slot’s side travel to Italy on Tuesday for a Champions League meeting with Inter Milan, a fixture that now carries added significance. Whether it quiets the noise or amplifies it may shape the tone of the weeks ahead.

Sources: The Times