Inter boss shuts down Salah theory after Slot leaves Liverpool forward at home

Mohamed Salah has been a virtual guarantee of goals during his eight years at Liverpool – but his Anfield certain is now hugely uncertain after an explosive interview

Mohamed Salah has been the name on everyone's lips since his bombshell interview on Saturday night – and that shows no sign of slowing down. But Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has shut down the suggestion that the forward’s absence will give his side an advantage against Liverpool.

The Reds took the decision to leave the Egypt international at home for their Champions League clash at San Siro. The move comes after Salah’s explosive comments following Saturday's draw with Leeds United in which he criticised Arne Slot and his treatment by the club and suggested his future lies elsewhere.

But when asked about the drama and whether Salah’s absence would be a boost for his side, Chivu claimed Liverpool's threat extends far beyond one individual. He said: "Mo is important on a world-class level, but these are not problems that concern us. It’s not my concern.

"I know that they have players who can replace him, and that Liverpool will therefore maintain a high level as they always have done throughout their history.

"We’re talking about teams, not individuals. That is why we have to worry about what the group does, not about individuals. They have a lot of quality."

Liverpool head to Milan having won just twice in their last 10 Premier League fixtures. They were also hammered 4-1 by PSV Eindhoven in their last Champions League game.

Some in Italy view this as the perfect time for Inter to face the Reds, but Chivu warned: "Liverpool is one of the most successful teams. They just won the Premier League.

"They had a good start and then a decline, which is normal. They have players capable of understanding the moments and being ready for the games that matter, and tomorrow is one of those.

"I think they're a team that has made intensity their motto, part of their identity. [Jurgen] Klopp brought it, Slot is trying to maintain it and he's succeeded.

“We want to do like them, but they were born that way... it leads to a certain approach to matches. Playing every three days is not easy... You have to understand the moments and not lose your balance.

“At times you also need to rest, if you ask Marcus [Thuram], he'll tell you that it's not easy to press for 90 minutes straight. Inter have carried the Italian flag high around the world.

"You don't reach two Champions League finals and a Europa League final in five years so easily, and they deserve to be celebrated. An Italian team that plays like this deserves some praise, aside from the final result.”