Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has disclosed that star forward Mohamed Salah personally apologized to the squad following his explosive post-match interview that led to him being dropped by manager Arne Slot.
Salah’s outspoken comments came after he was left on the bench for a third straight game during Liverpool’s 3-3 draw against Leeds United, where he expressed deep frustration, claiming he felt “thrown under the bus” by the club and hinting at a strained relationship with Slot.
The incident briefly cast doubt on Salah’s future at Anfield, but Jones emphasized the matter is now resolved within the dressing room.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Jones said: “Mo is his own man and he can say his own stuff. He apologized to us and was like: ‘If I’ve affected anybody or made you feel any sort of way, I apologize.’ That’s the man that he is.”
Jones added that Salah’s reaction stemmed from a desire to win and contribute, noting the team has moved on and is gelling well amid an improving run of form.
Slot has also confirmed the issue is behind them, with Salah returning to action against Brighton before departing for international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
This revelation highlights unity in the Liverpool camp as they prepare for upcoming Premier League challenges.
Mo Salah apologized to his Liverpool teammates.
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has defended Mohamed Salah following the Egyptian’s controversial post-match comments, insisting the forward’s frustration came from a positive place and that the squad has fully moved past the incident.
Jones revealed more details on Salah’s apology to the team, telling Sky Sports: “He apologised to us and said something like, ‘If I’ve affected anybody or made you feel any sort of way, I apologise.’ That’s just the kind of man he is.”
The England international emphasised Salah’s character, adding: “From what I know of Mo, and how he is around us, he stayed positive throughout. He was the same old Mo – big smile on his face – and everyone treated him exactly the same.”
Jones views the outburst as a natural reaction for a competitive player: “It’s just part of wanting to be a winner, and I don’t think he’ll be the last one to feel that way. I understand there are better ways to handle things, but if a player is content just sitting on the bench and not pushing to help the team, that’s a bigger problem in my eyes.”
He continued: “Any anger we’ve shown – myself included – has always come from a good place. In the heat of the moment, it might not come out perfectly, but it’s never meant to harm the team, the staff, or the manager.”
With the issue resolved, Jones highlighted the Reds’ improving form: “We’re past it now. The team is gelling well, playing better, and starting to pick up wins.”
Salah has now joined up with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on December 21 in Morocco, making him unavailable for Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Tottenham on December 20.
Since Salah’s explosive interview in the mixed zone after the 3-3 draw at Elland Road against Leeds United on December 6 – where he accused the club of “throwing him under the bus” – Liverpool have secured victories over Inter Milan in the Champions League and Brighton in the Premier League.
