Arne Slot fired four-word Mohamed Salah warning as ex-Liverpool captain offers baffling take

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Mohamed Salah will be absent for the next few weeks with Liverpool taking on the likes of Spurs and Wolves without him, just a couple of weeks after his explosive interview

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.(Image: Steven Halliwell/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Former Liverpool captain Paul Ince says Arne Slot should play Mohamed Salah in every game no matter how the Egyptian is performing in a baffling assessment of his recent form.

Salah kicked off after Liverpool drew 3-3 with Leeds United because Slot left him on the bench. In that explosive interview, he seemed to suggest that his place in the starting XI should be a given, and Ince has agreed.

"I’m glad to see the Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot tension resolved," Ince told Covers. "The last thing Liverpool would’ve wanted is Salah going away to AFCON with the situation unresolved.

"The fans made themselves heard at Anfield against Brighton by chanting Salah’s name when he came off the bench. Liverpool can’t afford to have problems internally with players, especially with their star player.

"I don’t understand it when people say he needs to earn his place in this Liverpool starting XI. He’s Mo Salah — he’s one of the greatest players the club has ever had.

"He’s never tracked back since he’s been at the club, so why would he start now? Let Mo be Mo! He has to play; he’s the best player at the club, and hopefully the situation with the manager has been put to bed."

Mohamed Salah claimed his relationship with Arne Slot had broken down during his outburst against Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

While fans inside Anfield sang Salah's name, they also made their feelings clear on Slot in a similar manner immediately after.

The Liverpool head coach's position has arguably been strengthened by his reaction to the drama, though results will ultimately decide his future.

"Usually I am calm and polite, but that doesn't mean I am weak," Slot said before the Champions League win over Inter Milan that Salah was left out of.

"If a player has these commands about so many things, then it's about me and the club to react. We reacted in a way you can see — he's not here.

"I don't feel my authority is undermined; it is not the way I feel it. After tomorrow, we will look at the situation.

"There is always the possibility to return for a player. I have no clue [if he has played his last game for Liverpool] — I cannot answer that question at this point in time."

Liverpool.com says: The ideal scenario would see Salah return from AFCON in January, ready to knuckle down. He played very well against Brighton and if he does that consistently, his place won't be up for discussion.

It seems unlikely that he would leave in the winter window (his lap of honor against Brighton didn't feel like the end) but Salah might have to accept that he isn't the first name on the teamsheet anymore.