Liverpool’s head coach has revealed developments in the dispute that arose between him and the team’s player Mohamed Salah, just before the latter joined the Egyptian national team to participate in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco.
The Liverpool coach explained that the tension within the team stemmed from technical decisions, after Mohamed Salah was benched for three Premier League matches, in addition to his absence from the Champions League clash against Inter Milan. This sparked widespread debate about his future and role within the starting lineup.
The coach indicated that Mohamed Salah’s return to the starting lineup during the recent Brighton match sent a clear message that the dispute was over. The player participated and contributed to his team’s 2-0 victory by providing a decisive pass, reaffirming his technical presence and influence on the pitch.
He added that the player’s focus has now shifted to his commitment with his national team, considering it more appropriate for all parties to direct attention to upcoming challenges, given the club’s busy schedule of important matches in the next phase.
Mohamed Salah continues to deliver impressive performances for Liverpool since joining the team in 2017, having scored 250 goals and provided 117 decisive assists in 421 matches across various competitions. He has become one of the club’s most prominent players in Premier League history, alongside his contribution to winning significant domestic and continental titles.
At the national team level, Mohamed Salah’s impact was directly evident in Egypt’s opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored the winning goal in the final moments against the Zimbabwe national team. He led the Egyptian national team to an important 2-1 victory, reaffirming his value as a decisive player for both his club and his country.
Liverpool
Liverpool is a historic port city in northwest England, which grew to global prominence during the 18th and 19th centuries through its involvement in the transatlantic trade. Its maritime mercantile heritage is recognized in its UNESCO World Heritage waterfront, and the city is famously known as the birthplace of The Beatles.
Egyptian national team
The Egyptian national football team, known as the Pharaohs, is one of Africa’s most successful teams, having won a record seven Africa Cup of Nations titles. Its history dates back to its first international match in 1920 and its first major tournament victory at the 1957 AFCON, establishing a long-standing legacy of continental dominance.
2025 Africa Cup of Nations
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a major international men’s football championship organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It is scheduled to be hosted by Morocco, marking the second time the country has held the tournament, which was first contested in 1957.
Morocco
Morocco is a North African country with a rich history shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) cultures, Arab influence from the 7th century, and successive dynasties like the Almoravids and Almohads. Its cultural sites include imperial cities such as Fez, home to the ancient University of Al Quaraouiyine, and Marrakech with its bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square. The country’s diverse heritage is also reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions, blending Arab, Amazigh, and European influences.
Premier League
The Premier League is the top professional football division in England, founded in 1992 when clubs from the Football League First Division broke away to form a new commercially independent league. It has since grown into one of the world’s most popular and lucrative sports leagues, known for its global fanbase and competitive nature.
Champions League
The UEFA Champions League is an annual club football competition organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). It was first introduced in the 1955–56 season as the European Champion Clubs’ Cup, evolving into its current format in 1992 to include a round-robin group stage. It is widely considered the most prestigious club tournament in European football.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan, officially known as Football Club Internazionale Milano, is an Italian professional football club founded in 1908 by a group of Italians and Swiss who wanted a club open to foreign players, which its name reflects. Based in Milan, it is one of Italy’s most successful clubs, having won numerous Serie A titles, Coppa Italia trophies, and European championships, including three UEFA Champions League titles.
Brighton
Brighton is a vibrant seaside resort city on the south coast of England, historically known as a fishing village. Its modern prominence began in the 18th century when it became a fashionable destination after the Prince Regent (later King George IV) built the exotic Royal Pavilion there. Today, it is famous for its iconic pier, cultural diversity, and thriving arts scene.
Egypt
Egypt is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over 5,000 years that includes the era of the pharaohs and the construction of iconic monuments like the Pyramids of Giza. Its rich cultural heritage, from ancient temples along the Nile to Islamic Cairo, continues to be a focal point of global historical and archaeological study.
Zimbabwe national team
The Zimbabwe national football team, nicknamed “The Warriors,” represents Zimbabwe in international men’s football. It is governed by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and has competed in the Africa Cup of Nations finals on several occasions, with its first qualification in 2004.
