A wave of uncertainty had fallen over Anfield. Was Saturday’s match against Brighton a farewell performance for Mohamed Salah? The Egyptian King, a figure synonymous with Liverpool’s recent success, had recently voiced explosive frustrations, claiming he felt ‘thrown under the bus’ and admitting to a fractured relationship with new manager Arne Slot.
The fallout was immediate. Salah was absent from the crucial Champions League clash with Inter Milan. Then, a glimmer of hope – reported ‘peace talks’ led to his inclusion on the bench against Brighton, but the atmosphere remained thick with speculation. Every touch, every glance, was scrutinized by a captivated, yet anxious, fanbase.
The match itself offered a small measure of relief. Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring within the first minute, but it was Salah’s 26th-minute introduction, following a Joe Gomez injury, that truly ignited the stadium. He didn’t just participate; he injected energy, purpose, and ultimately, a crucial assist for Ekitike’s second goal.
Liverpool legend Michael Owen, while acknowledging it wasn’t Salah’s most dazzling display, noted a visible shift in effort. “He was quite unselfish at times,” Owen observed, “He certainly put in a shift, running more than in previous games.” A win, a clean sheet – the day felt undeniably positive, a temporary silencing of the swirling rumors.
But the underlying questions lingered. As Salah emotionally applauded the Anfield faithful at full-time, a sense of finality hung in the air. He’s now departed for the Africa Cup of Nations, a month-long absence that only amplifies the speculation linking him with a move to the Saudi Pro League.
Owen confessed to fearing a hostile reception from the crowd, anticipating fans might side with the manager after Salah’s public criticism. “I thought there might be a few jeers, a few boos, but there was none of it today,” he said, relieved. “He’ll be delighted with that, all he’s done for the club.”
The hope, Owen emphasized, is that this was simply a “see you in a month” moment, a temporary departure for international duty. The dread, however, is that it was a heartbreaking “goodbye.” The weight of that possibility resonated throughout the stadium.
Arne Slot, in his post-match press conference, attempted to quell the unrest. He insisted the matter was closed, framing Salah as no different than any other player. “For me there is no issue to resolve,” Slot stated firmly. He revealed a private conversation with Salah, the details of which he kept confidential.
Slot’s actions spoke louder than words. Bringing Salah on as his first substitution demonstrated a clear commitment to reintegrating him into the team. “Actions speak louder than what has been said,” Slot acknowledged. “He performed as every fan wanted him to.”
The manager also highlighted the importance of gratitude, noting Salah’s visible appreciation for the fans. While acknowledging the challenges of playing without key players during the Africa Cup of Nations, Slot reiterated his belief in Salah’s value to the team. “He is a Liverpool player,” Slot concluded, “and the moment he is there, I like to use him when we need him.”
