Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold were at the center of a heated exchange during a training session on Monday, just one day before the Redsâ crucial Champions League round-of-16 second-leg match against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield. The incident, captured on camera during an open training session at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby, has sparked widespread attention as the team prepares for a pivotal night in their European campaign.
Footage shared by BeanymanSports showed the two players engaged in what appeared to be a tense conversation as they walked off the pitch. Salah, sporting a broad grin, gave Alexander-Arnold a playful shove to the chest with both hands, while the England right-back appeared more serious and visibly frustrated. Teammates quickly intervened, with Ibrahima Konate stepping in to guide Alexander-Arnold away and Harvey Elliott pulling Salah back, seemingly to diffuse the situation. Other players, including Curtis Jones, were also seen assisting in keeping the pair apart.
While the exact cause of the exchange remains unclear, sources close to the club suggest it likely stemmed from a competitive moment during a training drill. Despite initial reports from some outlets framing the incident as an âangry altercation,â those present at the session, including reporters, noted a light-hearted undercurrent. Salahâs relaxed demeanor and the lack of concern from teammates like captain Virgil van Dijk and manager Arne Slotâwho were seen walking past unbotheredâindicate the moment was more playful than malicious. Later reports confirmed that Salah and Alexander-Arnold were spotted laughing and joking together around the training complex after the session, further downplaying any notion of a serious rift.
The timing of the incident has raised eyebrows, however, as Liverpool head into Tuesdayâs match with a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg in Paris, secured by a late Harvey Elliott goal. A draw or better at Anfield will see the Reds advance to the quarter-finals, but they face a formidable PSG side eager to overturn the deficit. Both Salah, with his attacking brilliance, and Alexander-Arnold, with his pinpoint playmaking from the right flank, will be critical to Liverpoolâs hopes of progression. Slot will be keen to ensure any lingering tensionâplayful or otherwiseâdoes not spill onto the pitch.
Adding context to the moment, both players are currently in the final months of their contracts with Liverpool, alongside captain Virgil van Dijk. The uncertainty surrounding their futures has fueled speculation, with Alexander-Arnold heavily linked to a potential move to Real Madrid and Salahâs next steps also under scrutiny. While some might attempt to tie Mondayâs training ground exchange to discontent, their performances this seasonâSalah leading the attack and Alexander-Arnold excelling as vice-captainâsuggest they remain fully committed to the cause.