Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has revealed his personal choice for the league’s greatest-ever player, as debate continues to swirl around Mohamed Salah’s uncertain future at Liverpool.
Salah has openly admitted that he does not share a close relationship with new head coach Arne Slot, and with tensions rising, the 33-year-old appears increasingly likely to exit Anfield when the January transfer window opens.
The situation escalated after Slot left Salah out of the starting lineup for three straight matches. Following Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw away at Leeds, the Egyptian forward voiced his frustration publicly, directing sharp criticism toward the club.
Liverpool hierarchy expected to stand by Arne Slot
Despite the unrest, Arne Slot is not expected to be made the scapegoat. Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness believes Liverpool’s ownership will continue to support the Dutchman.
Wyness, who led operations at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a consultancy advising top-level clubs, shared his views while speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast. While backing Slot, he stressed that qualification for next season’s Champions League remains a non-negotiable target.
According to Wyness, the issues at Liverpool appear to extend beyond the head coach. He suggested that decisions higher up the club’s structure — including those involving Michael Edwards — may be contributing to the current unrest. In his view, Slot has effectively walked into a complex situation not entirely of his own making.
Wyness added that Salah’s comments seem to hint at internal figures pushing for his departure, rather than Slot himself. As a result, he expects the Liverpool board to remain loyal to the manager for now. However, failure to secure a top-four finish could quickly change that stance.
“At this stage,” Wyness explained, “I don’t believe Slot will be blamed for this dispute. But missing out on Champions League football would put his position under serious threat.”
Pressure mounts as results dip
While Slot may retain the board’s confidence, he remains under scrutiny following a challenging run of form. Liverpool’s recent struggles have seen them fall behind in the race for Champions League qualification, effectively ending their title hopes.
The gap between the Reds and league leaders Arsenal has now stretched to double figures, highlighting the scale of the club’s downturn.
Liverpool’s next test comes at Anfield against Brighton — a match that could carry extra significance. It may also be Salah’s final appearance in a red shirt before he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations, with his long-term future still hanging in the balance.
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