Arne Slot shows ruthless side as Liverpool boss lifts lid on Mohamed Salah talks

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Arne Slot wants to ensure that his kindness isn't mistaken for weakness (Image: Getty)If Arne Slot's composed demeanour has masked any behind-the-scenes drama involving Mohamed Salah, the decision to omit the Liverpool star from the squad that triumphed over Inter Milan this week was telling. Read our Privacy PolicyFor a head coach striving to find the right balance during a period when Salah will be representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations following Saturday's match against Brighton, it's encouraging that his team secured maximum points at San Siro.As of Friday evening, it remained uncertain whether Salah would play against the Seagulls, with discussions between player and coach at the training base set to determine the next steps.Regardless of what lies ahead for Salah, whether in the short or long term, Slot is adamant that his authority cannot be undermined as it was by the Egyptian superstar's candid interview."What I meant [by being kind, not weak] was I am not afraid to take decisions that I think I have to take," the Liverpool manager explained."Can players sense weakness?

But you don't have to show strength or weakness when it doesn't help the team.It remains to be seen if Mohamed Salah will be involved against Brighton (Image: Getty)"It would not be smart to be like: 'Oh, I am so strong and I am not afraid to take big decisions', if that doesn't help the team."It is not my idea to show I can take, even if it was a strong decision or a hard or difficult one, but definitely I have been in dressing rooms and they are constantly checking the decisions you make."And I have to make 40-50 a day I think, if not more. But players, like pundits and journalists, hardly ever know everything that happens."I have heard a lot about this whole situation.

One of the things the pundits have said is that we might not know everything and who knows if that is true."Slot continued: "I know how much I spoke to him. If it would have been 250 hours was 250 hours enough?"."I know how much the two of us spoke, not only in the week before West Ham or before Sunderland or before Leeds but also in recent weeks and months."