Goalkeeper Alisson Becker, from Liverpool, broke his silence about the absence of Mohamed Salah on the trip to internal tensions in the cast of Reds.
The Brazilian, in a press conference alongside coach Arne Slot on Monday, highlighted his friendship with the Egyptian, but emphasized the need to focus on the collective. Salah, the team’s top scorer in recent years, was not listed after public criticism of the Dutch coach.
The situation took shape after the 3-3 draw with Leeds United, on Saturday, when the striker was kept on the bench for the third consecutive time.
- Main points of Alisson’s statement: personal friendship with Salah, recognition as a club legend, demand for attitudes and prioritization of the game.
- Match context: Liverpool occupies 13th place in Champions with nine points; victory is essential to avoid playoffs.
- Immediate impact: Ausência of Salah adds to the injuries of Cody Gakpo and indisposition of Federico Chiesa.
Alisson Becker: Read the goalkeeper’s pre-Inter press conference in full ⤵️
—Liverpool FC (@LFC)December 8, 2025
Declaration of Alisson marks a turning point in the controversy
Alisson began his speech by recognizing the emotional weight of Salah’s absence. The goalkeeper, who has played alongside the Egyptian since 2018, described him as a good person and a symbol of Liverpool.
The press conference took place at the team hotel on Milão, hours before the European clash. Slot, pressured by irregular results, avoided details about the future of the number 11.
The Brazilian reinforced his support for the coach, stating that the squad believes in the style of play proposed by Slot.
Consequences of Salah’s criticism of the coach
Salah expressed frustration after the draw with Leeds, claiming to have been “thrown to the lions” by the team’s poor form. The attacker declared that he no longer had a relationship with Slot and questioned his stay at the club.
The board, in consultation with sporting director Richard Hughes and CEO Michael Edwards, chose to leave the player at Liverpool. Essa decision reflects the seriousness of the public statements, seen as breaking hierarchy.
Alisson commented that he tried to advise his friend, but prioritized confidentiality.
The goalkeeper hopes for a quick resolution, both for the sake of friendship and for the good of the team.
History of Salah on Liverpool under pressure
The Egyptian renewed his contract until 2027 after intense negotiations at the end of last season. In 2024/25, he was the top scorer in Premier League with impressive numbers.
This season, however, he has scored just four goals in 13 games in the English league. The irregularity of Liverpool, with nine defeats in the last 15 matches, increased tensions.
Slot took office with the challenge of succeeding Jürgen Klopp, and the squad faces adaptations to the new tactical system.
Alisson highlighted that the group supports the Dutchman, citing belief in his ability to reverse the situation.
Absence impacts lineup against Inter
Liverpool arrives at San Siro with limited attacking options. Sem Salah, the coach must choose Alexander Isak as an offensive reference, alongside Florian Wirtz and Alexis Mac Allister in the middle.
Inter, fourth in Champions with 12 points, is going through a good moment under Cristian Chivu, with four wins in five games.
- Probable lineups:
- Inter: Onana; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Çalhanoğlu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martínez.
- Liverpool: Alisson; Bradley, Van Dijk, Konaté, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Wirtz, Isak, Diaz.
The confrontation can define paths: victory puts Reds in the fight for a direct place in the round of 16.
The English defense suffers from set-piece failures, conceding goals in succession.
Support to the coach in a delicate moment
Alisson was direct in defending Slot when asked about the locker room’s support. The goalkeeper stated that the team believes in the coach’s knowledge to overcome the phase.
This statement contradicts narratives of internal division, reinforcing unity despite criticism from Salah.
The Brazilian mentioned the tight schedule, with games every three days, as an aggravating factor for decisions.
Recent performance exposes weaknesses
Liverpool has just four wins in the last 15 games in all competitions. Na Premier League, occupies ninth place with 23 points after 15 rounds.
The draw with Leeds, after leading 2-0, illustrates the defensive instability. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté failed to mark, allowing the partial setback.
Alisson, with 80% of saves in recent games, is one of the pillars, but demands the most compactness in the sector.
The team seeks balance between ball possession and quick transitions, hallmarks of its predecessor Klopp.
Preparation for Copa Africana of Nações
Salah presents himself to the Egyptian team until December 15th for CAN 2025, which starts on December 21st at Marrocos. Caso advances to the final, returns only on January 18th.
This break can serve as a respite in the crisis, allowing reflections on his role at the club.
The 33-year-old striker has scored 270 goals for Liverpool since 2017. Sua leadership on the field is unquestionable, but the moment requires extra maturity.
Alisson plans a private conversation with his friend, aiming to preserve ties and collective performance.
Expectations for the European duel
The Inter of Milão, with Lautaro Martínez in shape, represents a concrete threat. The Italians have won their last three home games in Champions.
Liverpool needs points to climb the table and avoid playoffs, a phase that includes duels against teams from 9th to 24th place.
Alisson ended the press conference by asking for total focus on the match, leaving the controversy until after the opening whistle.
The game, broadcast on HBO Max and SBT on Brasil, promises intensity in a stadium packed with 75 thousand fans.
The trajectory of Reds in Europa depends on quick adjustments, with Slot testing tactical variations.
