Liverpool manager Arne Slot has dismissed recent transfer speculation. He addressed questions about Mohamed Salah’s future. Slot insisted the Egyptian forward remains central to his plans. This statement follows Salah being benched for two consecutive matches.
Salah, aged 33, has experienced a slow start to the Premier League season. He has only scored four goals so far. In Liverpool’s last two games, he played just 45 minutes. His limited game time has sparked concerns about his form. It also reignited rumours of interest from Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Pro League reportedly continues to monitor Salah’s situation. Sources indicate a long-standing admiration for the Liverpool star. However, Salah signed a new two-year contract in April. This deal keeps him at Anfield until 2027.
Slot Emphasizes Salah’s Quality
Speaking at his press conference on Friday, Slot emphasized Salah’s undeniable quality. He assured reporters that the player’s talent remains highly valued.
“Every player, in my mind, can start,” Slot stated. “Mo is an exceptional player for us.” He added Salah is “always in my mind.” This means he could start or come off the bench. These comments came ahead of Liverpool’s Saturday clash with Leeds United.
Last season, the Egyptian scored 29 goals. Liverpool won the league title during Slot’s first year at the helm. Despite this, Salah was an unused substitute against West Ham last Sunday. He also started on the bench in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland at Anfield.
Slot acknowledged the public discussion around Salah’s status. He confirmed he understands the reasons for the chatter. “The chatter, yes, he deserves that,” Slot said. “He has been so influential for us for six or seven years. People normally talk when he isn’t playing.”
Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has scored 250 goals. He achieved this in 420 appearances. This record firmly establishes him as one of the club’s most important modern players.
Van Dijk: “No One Is Undroppable”
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also commented on the situation. He suggested Salah’s benching reinforces a team principle. No player is guaranteed a starting spot, he noted.
“He is still a fantastic player,” Van Dijk stated after the Sunderland draw. “We must remember the reasons for his success at the club. We have to respect that.”
“I need him as one of our leaders,” Van Dijk continued. “I am not worried.” He called Salah’s disappointment “absolutely normal.” “Not being disappointed after two games out suggests a problem,” he explained.
Van Dijk reiterated that no player is “undroppable.” “It’s not like you have unlimited credit,” he said. “Everyone has to perform.”
Liverpool’s Current League Form
Liverpool enters the weekend in ninth place. They are 11 points adrift of league leaders Arsenal. The team has secured only two wins from their last nine league matches.
About the Author
