Two Liverpool players have reportedly voiced their displeasure with Arne Slot after a disagreement and an apparent snub.
Following Liverpool’s recent 1-1 draw with Sunderland, two members of the squad have made their frustrations known regarding Slot’s decisions.
The dropped points at Anfield highlighted the reigning champions’ ongoing struggles. Liverpool had to come from behind after Chemsdine Talbi put Sunderland ahead, and although a late Nordi Mukiele own goal salvaged a point, Slot’s side couldn’t find a winner. They now sit eighth in the Premier League table.
Mohamed Salah was left out of the starting lineup for the second match in a row, having remained on the bench during Sunday’s 2-0 victory over West Ham. Slot admitted that Salah voiced his disappointment when he learned he wouldn’t start against the Hammers.
“That’s a fair assumption — it’s a normal reaction from someone who can help the team,” Slot said before facing Sunderland. “Players are never happy when they don’t play, and he wasn’t the only one feeling that way.”
Despite being dropped, Slot praised Salah’s professionalism, saying the forward remained supportive and handled the situation well.
Federico Chiesa is another player affected by Slot’s tough calls. The Italian attacker was left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad in September and has made his dissatisfaction clear, even though he said he understood the reasoning behind the manager’s decision.
“That’s one of the hardest parts of the job,” Slot explained earlier. “Telling a player they won’t play is difficult, but telling them they’re not in the squad at all is even harder. I made sure to explain our reasons. Of course, he wasn’t happy.
“I think he understood — even if he didn’t necessarily agree. He never told me he disagreed, though! He responded in the way any manager hopes for, saying he’d support the team in every competition.”
Chiesa has featured 15 times this season across all competitions but has only started twice, both in the EFL Cup. With two goals and three assists so far, he remains outside Liverpool’s European plans for now.
At 28, he could benefit from Salah’s absence as he looks for more starting opportunities. With the Egyptian star soon departing for the Africa Cup of Nations, Chiesa’s chances may improve — though Slot may still need convincing.
