Liverpool’s Arne Slot Discusses Mohamed Salah’s Return and Team Dynamics

Liverpool remains unbeaten in their last 12 matches under the leadership of Arne Slot.

In anticipation of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Marseille, Arne Slot has indicated that Mohamed Salah will likely return to the starting lineup. He reassured that his relationship with the star forward is “as normal as it’s always been.”

Salah last featured in the starting eleven during the 4-1 home loss to PSV Eindhoven in November. However, he showcased his talent at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored four goals and led Egypt to a fourth-place finish.

Prior to his departure for the tournament, Salah gave a candid interview in which he stated, “someone doesn’t want me in the club,” and noted a deteriorating relationship with Slot after he was benched. When asked if he had the opportunity to reflect on the situation with Salah following events in December, Slot responded: “There was a moment in the season when I decided not to play Mo. And another moment when I opted not to include him in the squad against Inter Milan. For all other games, he has been part of the squad, and he was the first substitution against Brighton. At that time, there was never an issue for me.

“Now that he is available again, having trained today, he is included in the squad for tomorrow’s match. Let’s see the lineup and if you still think there’s an issue.”

Slot’s team has remained unbeaten during Salah’s time representing Morocco, and he expressed his happiness about having Liverpool’s all-time leading Champions League goalscorer back in action. “I am really pleased he is back. During his absence, I believe we have managed quite well in terms of limiting chances conceded and enhancing our creativity on the pitch. If we are creating more opportunities, it is truly beneficial to have Mohamed Salah back. There has only been one player who has scored more for this club while alive, but I don’t think I can play Ian Rush anymore! So, it’s incredibly helpful to have him back.”

On the dynamics of his relationship with Salah, Slot stated: “It’s as normal as it’s always been, with one exception concerning the Inter Milan match. I spoke to him today and am grateful to have him back. This season, I have only had two wingers who played over 100 minutes in the Premier League: Mo and Cody [Gakpo].

“Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz are also capable in those positions, but if I asked Florian about his preferred position, he wouldn’t say left or right wing, and the same goes for Jeremie, although he has shown his potential on the right side.”

Slot also noted Salah’s impressive record, stating: “I saw today that Mo has scored 45 goals for Liverpool in the Champions League, while the next highest scorer is Virgil van Dijk with just five. So it’s great to have him back, especially if he can return to the form that led to those goals.”

Liverpool has brought a 20-man squad to Marseille, with Ibrahima Konate absent due to a family matter. This match against Robert de Zerbi’s side is crucial for the Reds as they seek to secure a spot in the top eight, aiming to avoid additional fixtures in the knockout phase next month. Liverpool will conclude their group phase with a match against Qarabag on Wednesday, January 28.

During a press conference at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, Slot was humorously questioned about rumors linking Xabi Alonso to Liverpool following his recent departure from Real Madrid. “Yes, he called me and asked what I thought about the team because he plans to take over in six months. Can you tell me a bit more?” Slot joked. “Or perhaps earlier; maybe he takes over tomorrow. This is one of the oddest questions I have ever received. What can I say?

“I have been working here for a little over a year and a half, and I genuinely enjoy my role. We won the [Premier] League last season but have faced more challenges in the league this year, which is evident. So, what else is there to say?

“Regarding the boos at Anfield during the 1-1 draw against Burnley, I may have heard a few, but it wasn’t overwhelming. I believe it’s perfectly normal for fans to be unhappy after a draw against Burnley at home. However, I think that when the emotions settled after the game, fans realized that in my time at Liverpool, we have never created as many chances against a low block as we did in that match. Perhaps the performance was more positive than the result indicated, but we are in the results business, and I acknowledge that.”