Arne Slot Shuts Down Mohamed Salah Speculation Following Star's AFCON Exit
Liverpool boss Arne Slot emphasized that the club has "put behind them" the controversy involving striker Mohamed Salah and his Anfield future.
Salah's heated criticisms of both Slot and Liverpool following three straight matches outside the starting eleven sparked predictable rumors about a potential exit from the club in the January window.
A disciplinary action of one additional game away from the matchday roster was quickly imposed before reconciliation discussions between Salah and Slot allowed the Egyptian to rejoin the squad and feature as a substitute in a 2–0 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Salah has now left for the Africa Cup of Nations, with his agents anticipated to conduct additional discussions with Liverpool while he's away to determine a conclusive decision regarding his future. From Slot's perspective, though, the matter has already been resolved.
"I mentioned last week, deeds matter more than statements," Slot stated before his team's clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. "We've progressed, he was included in the squad [versus Brighton] and he was my first substitution.
"Currently he's at the AFCON, competing in crucial matches for himself and his nation, so I believe it's appropriate for them, but certainly also for us since we'll be playing some critical fixtures, that his complete attention is focused there and there shouldn't be any disruptions from me discussing his tenure here at Liverpool.
"We've progressed beyond the Leeds interview and he featured against Brighton. He's there, so it's proper for that nation and for him and equally for us to discuss Tottenham, and other matches, and for them to concentrate entirely on their competition."
Slot: 'Highs and Lows' Following Summer Squad Reconstruction
Despite Slot's wish to progress, the question of Salah's future continues to be a pressing concern around Anfield.
Reports emerged this week suggesting that Salah's dissatisfaction extends beyond his time on the substitutes' bench. Indeed, it was suggested that the experienced striker is displeased with Liverpool's transfer activity during the summer, which has necessitated tactical adjustments to try and integrate underperforming players like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak at his cost.
Liverpool's forward line has struggled for rhythm but these issues have also affected the defense. Slot's team have conceded 24 goals in 16 Premier League matches this season, more than 10 other teams in the league.
"That's a question only time will resolve," Slot responded when questioned if his team modifications have been taken advantage of by opposing clubs. "We allowed more opportunities against Brighton than the four [unbeaten] matches combined, so that also demonstrates how effectively we performed in the four games prior to that.
"Few teams have prevented Inter Milan, at their home ground, from creating any threats whatsoever—perhaps one opportunity, one header from [Lautaro] Martínez. [Brighton] reached our penalty area frequently and generated excellent chances, but we must recognize we also created plenty against them.
"It was the equilibrium where in previous games, we didn't generate much. Now, we've produced more but also allowed more, particularly in the second periods.
"We are moving nearer and nearer to the team I envision us becoming, and it has involved highs and lows, let's be entirely transparent about that. For me, that's logical because [of] all the modifications we implemented during the summer—we made them intentionally, because we believed we had to.
"If I'm completely candid, perhaps I didn't anticipate it would require as much time as it has but, looking back and considering it now, I think I've been overly optimistic. When you work with a new group where not all of them are fully prepared to compete in every single match, 90 minutes at this level, you must adjust and it requires some time."