Heading into Inter vs. Liverpool: Reds in turmoil as Salah controversy ignites

Inter exude confidence following a 4-0 victory over Cesc Fabregas’ Como, while Liverpool finds itself in turmoil after a 3-3 draw at Leeds United, with Mo Salah expressing frustration towards coach Arne Slot.

The two teams will clash at San Siro, each entering the match with contrasting emotions.

Inter dominated Como with a 4-0 win, dismantling one of Serie A's top defenses that had yet to concede more than one goal this season.

Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Carlos Augusto contributed to the rout, momentarily placing them at the top of the league.

Inter soaring while Liverpool falters

LEEDS, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 06: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Liverpool at Elland Road on December 06, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Conversely, Liverpool resembles a shadow of its former self, with increasing speculation surrounding Slot's future.

They have secured only one win across their last six competitive fixtures, a 2-0 victory against West Ham United, accompanied by three losses and two draws.

In their match against Leeds United, the Reds initially led 2-0, but after restoring the lead to 3-2, Ao Tanaka equalized in the dying moments to finish 3-3.

Further issues arose as Salah was reportedly furious about being benched for the third consecutive game, remaining on the sidelines throughout, alongside Federico Chiesa.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 06: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool warms up as a substitute during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Liverpool at Elland Road on December 06, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

“I think it is very clear that somebody wants me to take all the blame,” Salah told reporters in the mixed zone.

“I’ve said a few times before that I have a good relationship with the manager and now all of a sudden we have no relationship. I don’t know why.

“It seems like the club are throwing me under the bus – that’s how I feel. This club, I will always support it. My kids will always support it. I love the club so much and I always will.

“It [the situation] is not acceptable to me, to be fair. I don’t get it. It’s like I’m being thrown more under the bus. I don’t think I’m the problem.

“I have done so much for this club. I don’t have to fight every day for my position because I earn it. I earned my position.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 15: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Salah is now anticipated to leave for the Saudi Pro League in January, with ex-Inter coach Simone Inzaghi at Al-Hilal reportedly interested.

Notably, Salah has not featured in a starting XI since the 4-1 Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven on November 26.

Liverpool's Champions League campaign has been inconsistent, with three victories over Atletico Madrid, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Real Madrid, but also two losses to Galatasaray and PSV.

In contrast, Inter won their first three matches in the tournament before a last-minute 2-1 defeat at Atletico Madrid.