Salah, 33, has played just 45 Premier League minutes across Liverpool’s last three games and remained unused in the 3-3 draw with Leeds, after which he publicly questioned his relationship with Slot and hinted his final appearance for the club could come this weekend against Brighton.

Sources say the squad was “uncomfortable” with Salah’s outburst and feel Slot was right to exclude him from the travelling party for Tuesday’s Champions League win away to Inter Milan. The head coach’s switch to a narrow 4-4-2 diamond, and the improved balance it delivered, has strengthened the players’ confidence in his approach.

While some members of the squad have raised concerns this season over Slot’s communication style, the Dutchman’s tactical clarity and the support he has received from sporting director Richard Hughes and CEO of Football Michael Edwards has helped solidify his authority.

Salah’s absence in Milan, coupled with the team’s composed 2-0 victory, has further emboldened Slot. Insiders say players feel the coach has acted “firmly but fairly” and believe the episode cannot overshadow the team’s focus heading into the festive schedule.

Slot refused to escalate the dispute when asked post-match, insisting the performance of those involved should take priority. “Tonight should be about the players who were here,” he said. “They deserved full credit.”

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, speaking at San Siro, acknowledged the tension but urged unity. “Mo is a friend and a big character for us,” he said. “But this needs to be handled internally. The club and the player will deal with it.”

With Salah scheduled to join Egypt for AFCON after the Brighton fixture, it remains unclear whether he will play any part on Saturday. Club officials insist discussions will continue over the coming days, but the expectation around the squad is that Slot’s authority will be backed as Liverpool try to avoid further disruption to a season already shaken by inconsistency.