Arne Slot has stated that he will only remember the prolific goal-scoring version of Mohamed Salah once the Egyptian departs Liverpool, following several disagreements between the head coach and his star player this season.
Salah's Farewell and Dig at Slot
Salah is expected to bid farewell to Anfield on Sunday, alongside fellow Liverpool great Andy Robertson. The forward sparked debate this week with an indirect criticism of Slot's playing style, suggesting that standards have slipped. However, Slot, who will remain in charge next season despite persistent false rumours about his future on social media, insists he has seen no evidence of declining training standards.
“I don't really know what it exactly means if you 'like' a post, yes or no,” Slot said, referring to multiple players endorsing Salah's comments online. “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.”
Slot's Memories of Salah
When asked how he will remember Salah, Slot added: “100 per cent last season, he said the most special thing I have won was last season's Premier League title. Now I can safely say that was the most special thing I have won in my life so I will remember that and how important he was in that season for the club and as a result also for me with all the goals he scored.”
Liverpool, who hope to welcome back Alisson and Alexander Isak for the visit of Brentford, have endured a disappointing season but have virtually secured Champions League qualification, barring a six-goal swing in goal difference from Bournemouth.
Slot Dismisses Transition Excuse
Slot emphasised that being a club in transition should not be used as an excuse for their performance. “When I say we are in a transition I don't mean to not expect anything from us,” he said. “I hope nobody feels that. I was expecting, just as you all here, that we were more able to compete for things than we were this season. Although we lost in the FA Cup to the team that won the FA Cup and we lost in the Champions League to a team that not one team could beat over two legs.
“Then of course there was the Premier League where we had no chance to win it, that was clear after 10 or 15 games. It is not saying, 'Oh, don't expect anything from this team'. Definitely not. This team has showed that we were able already to be at a certain level and we can only evolve this team. And if we can do the right things over the summer, things can only improve.”
