Dominik Szoboszlai has opened up about his relationship with Mohamed Salah and shed light on Liverpool’s atmosphere following the Egyptian forward’s recent public complaints. While turning Liverpool’s form around on the pitch remains a challenge—especially with Salah away for AFCON—his absence has at least eased some of the off-field tension.
Salah had previously shocked fans by claiming he had “no relationship” with manager Arne Slot, accusing the club of throwing him under the bus after missing a week in the starting lineup. Although things were smoothed over enough for him to make a substitute appearance before leaving for AFCON, no definitive resolution was reached.
Szoboszlai remains hopeful time will heal the situation. “It wasn’t nice to see it,” he told Sky Sports. “He’s professional enough to handle it. I never got involved personally, but I was there for him if he wanted to talk or needed help. He has the character to deal with this. Everyone hopes he comes back after AFCON and contributes as he did last season, but ultimately that’s up to him and the club.”
As a teammate, Szoboszlai admires Salah’s abilities. “I enjoy playing with him. Last season, he showed he could do anything.” A fully fit and motivated Salah would undoubtedly be a huge asset for Liverpool in the second half of the season. Last year, his form made him a Ballon d’Or contender, ultimately finishing fourth.
While Salah’s outburst cannot be justified, his absence has highlighted his point that he may have been made a scapegoat. Liverpool has struggled even with younger, hardworking players in attack, and his early AFCON performances suggest the issues may lie more with the team setup than the player himself. Still, Slot has reason to expect more from his star forward. Rewarded with a lucrative contract into his 30s, Salah must strive to reach peak form once again.
If he returns with that focus, he’ll have Szoboszlai’s full support. The Hungarian midfielder has developed a close bond with Salah, which has only strengthened amid the recent turbulence. “From day one, he took me under his wing and helped me. We’ve grown closer and trust each other more. I know things about him maybe no one else does,” Szoboszlai revealed.
Recently, Szoboszlai has even asked Salah for tips while filling in on the right wing. Though primarily a midfielder, he has excelled across multiple positions this season, standing out despite Liverpool’s struggles. At times, he has taken on some of Salah’s leadership responsibilities, helping drive the team forward.
Their connection in the dressing room is clear, with both setting high standards. While hopefully this isn’t the last time they share the pitch, if Liverpool eventually enters a post-Salah era, Szoboszlai may be ready to step up as the next key figure in midfield.