Liverpool manager Arne Slot has responded to Mohamed Salah’s controversial social media post, insisting Liverpool’s focus remains on securing Champions League qualification despite growing tension between the pair.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s final Premier League game of the season against Brentford at Anfield, Slot refused to confirm whether Salah would play in what could be his final home appearance for the club. The Egyptian forward is expected to leave Liverpool this summer after nine years at the club.
Salah triggered debate online after criticising Liverpool’s recent performances and Slot’s tactical approach following the defeat to Aston Villa last week. In his post, Salah appeared to call for a return to the high-intensity style associated with former manager Jurgen Klopp.
Despite reports that several Liverpool players liked Salah’s post on social media, Slot dismissed suggestions that it had affected the dressing room.
“I never say anything about team selection. I don’t think it is that important what I feel about it. What is important is that we qualify for the Champions League on Sunday and I prepare Mo and the whole team in the best possible way for the game,” Slot said in his pre-match press conference.
The Liverpool manager admitted he was disappointed with the team’s performances this season and said changes would be needed going forward.
“I was very disappointed after our loss against Villa because a win would have given us qualification for the Champions League which we didn’t get. Now there’s one game to go which is a vital one for us as a club. We both want what’s best for the club, we both want the club to be successful and that’s the main aim,” he said.
Slot also defended his football philosophy while responding to suggestions that Salah was unhappy with the current style of play.
“I have to find a way to evolve this team now and definitely in the summer and in the upcoming season to be successful again, and to play a brand of football that I like. And if I like it then the fans will like it as well because I haven’t liked a lot of the way we played this season,” Slot added.
The Dutchman insisted both he and Salah shared the same ambition of bringing Liverpool back into the title race.
“I think Mo was really happy with the style we played last year as it lead to us winning the league. Football has changed, football has evolved, but we both want what is best for Liverpool and that is for us to compete for trophies,” Slot said.
The situation around Salah’s future has intensified in recent weeks after reports of a breakdown in his relationship with Slot following a squad omission earlier this season against Inter Milan.
When asked about Liverpool players interacting with Salah’s social media post, Slot played down its significance.
“Social media came when I was a little bit older, so as people know I’m not really involved. I don’t really know what it exactly means if you ‘like’ a post. What I know, and that is my world, is to see how they train and I have not seen anything different compared to the rest of the season,” he said.
Liverpool need just one point against Brentford on Sunday to seal qualification for next season’s Champions League, with uncertainty continuing over whether Salah will feature at Anfield one final time.
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