Going for us’ – Mo Salah shares insight on half-time Liverpool dressing down from Arne Slot

Arne Slot served the second part of his two-game domestic touchline ban this afternoon as Liverpool staged a second-half comeback to defeat Southampton 3-1 at Anfield. However, despite his absence from the dugout, the Dutch manager was permitted to address his players at the break—a moment that proved crucial in turning the game around.

Liverpool found themselves trailing at halftime after a defensive mix-up led to Will Smallbone’s opener for the struggling Saints. Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk, usually among the most reliable defensive figures in world football, suffered a rare lapse in communication, allowing the Southampton midfielder to capitalize and send the visitors into the break with a shock lead.

With Liverpool’s dominance in the Premier League well established, many might have expected the match to be a routine victory. However, their first-half performance was sluggish, lacking the intensity and urgency that have characterized Slot’s tenure so far. The absence of their head coach on the touchline seemed to affect the team’s fluidity, but that all changed after his halftime intervention.

Mohamed Salah, who played a pivotal role in the Reds’ turnaround, revealed post-match that Slot did not hold back in his halftime address. Speaking to Liverpool FC’s official website, the Egyptian forward admitted that the manager’s frustration was evident.

“[There was] a bit of frustration. The manager, his head, was like going for us – but that’s something you need sometimes,” Salah disclosed. “First half, the game was sloppy. We were slow, taking our time, and in the last minute, they managed to go ahead in the game. But we are now more experienced; we can manage that situation, and I’m glad that we did.”

Slot’s words clearly resonated with his squad, as they emerged for the second half with renewed vigor and determination. The sluggishness that plagued their play in the opening 45 minutes was replaced by aggression, pressing, and sharpness in attack.

Liverpool wasted no time in asserting themselves after the restart, with Darwin Núñez leveling the scoreline early in the second half. The Uruguayan, often a divisive figure due to his erratic finishing, showed predatory instincts to find the net and bring Anfield back to life. His celebration, directed at the traveling Southampton supporters, sparked further reactions, but the message was clear—Liverpool were back in control.

From that point on, the Reds dominated proceedings, suffocating Southampton with relentless attacking waves. Their pressure paid off when Mohamed Salah stepped up to convert two penalties, propelling himself into outright third place on Liverpool’s all-time goalscoring charts—a testament to his consistency and brilliance.

The turnaround not only reaffirmed Liverpool’s dominance over bottom-half opposition but also demonstrated the team’s growing resilience under Slot. Despite the setback of going behind, they responded like true title contenders, showcasing their ability to manage adversity and overturn difficult situations.

While the win won’t be remembered as one of Liverpool’s most glamorous performances, it was an important statement of intent. Even when not at their best, the Reds found a way to get the job done, a hallmark of champions.

Had they failed to win against a Southampton side that had won just two league games all season, questions would have inevitably been raised about their ability to maintain their grip on the title race. But instead, they ensured their lead at the top remained intact, sending a clear warning to their rivals.

Slot’s return to the touchline will be a welcome boost for Liverpool, as they prepare for an even sterner test in the coming days. The Dutchman will be back in the technical area for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, an opportunity for him to claim his first silverware as Liverpool’s head coach.

Before that, however, the Reds must navigate a high-stakes Champions League second-leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain. The French giants, still reeling from their first-leg defeat, will be desperate to turn the tie around, making it a crucial night for Slot and his men.

If Liverpool’s second-half display against Southampton is anything to go by, they will be more than ready for the challenge. The halftime wake-up call from their absent boss served its purpose, ensuring the Reds continue their march toward domestic and European glory.