Liverpool head coach Arne Slot said he was unpleasantly surprised by the statements of striker Mohamed Salah.

On Saturday, Salah said that they want to make him a “scapegoat” for failures during the current season. The Egyptian forward was not included in the team’s squad for the match of the sixth round of the group stage of the Champions League against Inter Milan.

“The only one who can appreciate his words is Mo himself.” I can only guess, but right now it wouldn’t be right. I feel differently, but he has the right to feel what he feels. We started using him less often, players usually don’t like that, but he always behaved respectfully towards the coaching staff and partners. He trained hard. And his comments came as a surprise to me.

This is not the first nor the last time a football player has said something similar. My reaction to this is clear: he is not with the team now. But I firmly believe that there is always an opportunity to bring a player back. I don’t feel like my authority is being undermined. It’s not about me. In a situation like this, it’s not that important. What matters is how difficult it will be for the team or club. I am completely focused on the team and not on myself.

I’m usually calm and polite, but that doesn’t mean I’m weak. We as a club have to react, and we did. As you can see, he’s not here,” Slot was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

The 33-year-old Salah’s contract with Liverpool runs until the summer of 2027. Earlier it was reported about interest in the Egyptian from leading Saudi clubs.