Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has revealed team-mate Mohamed Salah offered a direct apology to the Reds dressing room following the backlash that followed. his public criticism of the club and head coach Arne Slot. Salah’s comments, which came during a turbulent period for the team, sparked debate about his role and influence in the team.
Egyptian striker was subsequently left out of Liverpool’s Champions League win over Inter, after claiming that the club had unfairly blamed him due to his poor form and that his relationship with Sloto had suffered. Speaking to Sky Sports, Jones confirmed that Salah later resolved the situation internally, speaking to teammates and acknowledging the impact his words may have had.
“Mo is his own person and he can say his own things. He apologized to us and said, ‘If I affected anyone or made you feel any way, I’m sorry.’ That’s exactly the type of person.”
“In my experience knowing Mo, he was exactly the same around us. He was positive, smiling and nothing changed in the group. Everyone treated him the same way. That’s just part of someone who wants to win.”
Salah was re-subbed for last year’s Premier League win over Brighton, but Slot refused to say whether the forward had apologized to him in person. The Liverpool boss said he did not want to revisit the issue publicly, stressing that further discussion would only create unnecessary distractions, especially with Salah currently at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Jones also offered a staunch defense of Salah’s competitive mindset, suggesting that ambition should never be mistaken for selfishness. He admitted that there are more diplomatic ways to handle frustration, but argued that elite teams thrive on players who demand accountability and want to be on the pitch.
Liverpool have responded well since Slott made bold selection calls after devastating home defeats to Nottingham Forest and PSV to remain unbeaten in five games. Jones believes Salah’s comments were born out of frustration rather than an attempt to unsettle the team, stressing that the striker’s desire to play remains rooted in helping the team succeed, not undermining it.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
December 20, 2025
