Sturridge Shares Insight into Salah’s Turbulent Week
Daniel Sturridge offered a revealing account of Mo Salah’s mindset following Liverpool’s tense Champions League victory over Inter Milan. The former striker, now working in punditry, was on duty in Italy and provided fresh clarity on the Egyptian’s emotional state after a bruising few days both on and off the pitch.
Salah’s frustration had already surfaced over the weekend when he was left unused against Leeds United. His post-match words there were stark: strained relations with Arne Slot, accusations of being thrown “under the bus”, and open discontent that sent ripples throughout the club. Yet Liverpool emerged with a crucial win in Milan courtesy of an 88th-minute penalty, keeping their European ambitions intact.
It was in that volatile context that Sturridge, who shared a dressing room with Salah between 2017 and 2019, spoke candidly about the conversations he has had with his former teammate.
Sturridge Details Private Conversations with Salah
Speaking after the match, Sturridge explained that Salah remains deeply attached to Liverpool, despite the public storm. The former England forward, in discussion with Amazon Prime Video and relayed by the Liverpool Echo, reflected on what Salah had expressed to him directly.
“He is going to be watching at home wishing he was here, wishing he could have helped the team,” Sturridge said. “I think for Mo right now, he wants to help the team get back to where they have been, which was at the top.”
Sturridge continued by outlining the emotional challenge for a player sidelined in unexpected circumstances.
“You’re at home, you’re sat there… the last thing you want is not to be part of it. That is going to be hurting him because he knows.”
He then shared Salah’s most definitive message.
“He loves playing for this club, I know this. Mo has told me: ‘I love this football club. I don’t want to leave this club. This is where I want to be.’ He wants to be a Liverpool player but he wants to play.”
Sturridge stressed that another conversation between Salah and Slot appears inevitable, but he refrained from predicting the outcome.
“I can’t speak for Mo and what he is going to do… but I think there needs to be another conversation between the manager and Mohamed Salah.”
Salah’s Preparation Sends a Clear Message
In the hours leading up to the clash with Inter Milan, Salah posted an image from a private training session, showing himself working intensively in the gym. It was a reminder of his commitment, his physical readiness, and his desire to remain involved even while external noise continues to build around him.
Liverpool’s staff have been encouraged by his fitness levels, but the tactical decisions surrounding his selection remain delicate. Slot now faces not only a footballing challenge, but a diplomatic one.
Uncertain Future Ahead of Africa Cup of Nations
Liverpool return to Premier League duties on Saturday at Anfield, where they host Brighton. Whether Salah features remains unclear, but the stakes are high. With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaching, he is due to join Egypt shortly after the weekend. By the time he returns to Merseyside, his future may already have shifted.
A move away cannot be ruled out, even with Salah’s stated love for the club. Equally, the door remains firmly open for reconciliation if Liverpool and their star forward can realign in the coming days.
What is certain is that this situation is now central to the club’s immediate narrative — and Sturridge’s insights have cast new light on a complex picture involving one of Liverpool’s modern greats.
