Liverpool manager Arne Slot fires back after superstar Mo Salah’s rant regarding his fortunes at the Reds

A defensive Arne Slot admits he was "surprised" by Mo Salah's explosive rant but has refused to say whether the star has played his final game for Liverpool.

Prickly Arne Slot went on the defensive as he was asked about Mo Salah’s bombshell claims for the first time.

The Egyptian, 33, said he was “thrown under the bus” after being left on the bench for the entirety of the Reds’ 3-3 draw at Leeds on Saturday.

After the match, Salah delivered a stunning rant – claiming “someone doesn’t want me in the club”.

The wideman trained with his teammates on Monday, but has been dropped entirely for Tuesday night’s clash with Inter Milan.

Liverpool's manager Arne Slot during a prickly press conference where he confirmed dumping Mo Salah. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Immediately quizzed about Salah during his pre-match press conference, Slot took issue with one reporter, and hit back: “You only have three questions …”

Asked if he believes that Salah has played his last game for Liverpool, Slot admitted: “I have no clue. I cannot answer that question at this moment in time.”

And further probed over the incident, the Dutchman said: “He has every right to feel how he feels.

“But he doesn’t have the right to share that with the media.”

Asked if he felt Salah’s barbs were directed personally at himself, Slot added: “The only one who can answer is Mo himself. I can guess but it’s hard for me to tell who he means.

“We know he’s not travelling with us. That was the only communication from us to him.

“I don’t feel our relationship has broken down but he has the right to feel how he feels things.

“Usually when I don’t play players they don’t like the manager too much.

Arne Slot during Liverpool’s preparation for Inter Milan. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

“Mo had been respectful to the staff so it was a surprise to me when he gave those comments.

“I’m not sure if he was emotional or not but my reaction is clear. He is not with us tonight.”

Following Slot, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was also asked about Salah.

The Brazilian, 33, said: “I hope he plays again for the club but that’s a personal situation between Mo and the club.

“We as his teammates and his friends we hope the best thing happens for him, but as Liverpool FC players we want the best for the club. We want a win-win for him and the club.

“My relationship with the manager is fine.”