Salah's Squad Apology and Team Unity Highlighted by Jones Amid Liverpool Resurgence

Midfielder Curtis Jones has publicly addressed Mohamed Salah’s recent apology to the Liverpool squad following the Egyptian star’s contentious comments about manager Arne Slot, revealing the incident strengthened rather than fractured team unity. Jones disclosed that Salah personally approached teammates after stating he “no longer maintained a working relationship” with Slot post-Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United, an interview that led to his omission from the Champions League squad for the Inter Milan clash.

Speaking exclusively to media outlets, Jones emphasized Salah’s accountability: “Mo took responsibility and said, ‘If I’ve impacted anyone or caused concern, I’m sorry.’ That’s who he is. He walked in with the same energy, same smile—we never treated him differently. This is about striving to win, and honesty like his won’t be the last we see.” The apology preceded Salah’s return to action during last weekend’s victory over Brighton, where he assisted a key goal after entering as a first-half substitute. Manager Slot later confirmed “no issues remain unresolved” with the forward.

Jones contextualized the episode within Liverpool’s recent turbulence, acknowledging his own post-match criticism after a 4-1 Anfield defeat to PSV Eindhoven—a period marking the club’s worst slump in over seven decades. “As a lifelong supporter and Scouser, I know what this means to everyone,” he explained. “My frustration came from loving to compete, whether in training or matches. But our response shows character: nobody blamed Mo, the staff, or each other. We owned it collectively.”

The team’s turnaround—five consecutive unbeaten games—has reignited hopes during a congested holiday schedule. Jones highlighted evolving mentality: “We’re demanding more runs, more fights. That mindset shift is why results are changing. Families argue but stick together, and this squad proved that.” He dismissed concerns about external distractions, noting Salah’s departure for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt hasn’t disrupted focus.

Slot echoed this sentiment in Friday’s press briefing, stating he would avoid contacting Salah during the tournament: “Actions speak louder than words. We moved forward when he rejoined the squad and contributed immediately. Now his priority is AFCON—it’s foolish to distract him.” With Liverpool preparing for Saturday’s high-stakes clash against Tottenham, Jones reaffirmed the squad’s singular objective: “Losing affects us all the same way. That shared urgency is why we’re turning the corner.”