Slot on Salah: “Fully Focused” for Liverpool’s Champions League Challenge | OneFootball

Arne Slot Shrugs Off Salah Speculation as Liverpool Prepare for Real Madrid

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has dismissed any concerns that Mohamed Salah’s recent comments about his future will affect his team ahead of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid at Anfield. Addressing the media, Slot delivered a confident response, even injecting humour into the situation: “If I look at my line-ups, then Mo is more in than out!”

Salah’s Future in the Spotlight

Salah, Liverpool’s talismanic forward, sparked headlines following his candid remarks after Sunday’s victory over Southampton. The Egyptian, who has netted 12 goals across all competitions this season, revealed he is yet to receive a formal contract offer as he approaches the final six months of his current deal. Frustrated, Salah admitted he feels “probably more out than in,” but Slot has no doubt his star player remains fully focused.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot addressed the situation with typical composure, stating: “People told me about this, but I’ve said many times that we don’t share this over here, at least I don’t share this over here. The only thing I can say is that if I look at my line-ups, then Mo is more in than out! That quote I can give you.”

Focus Unshaken Despite Distractions

Slot was quick to emphasise Salah’s professionalism, pointing to the forward’s consistency in high-pressure moments. Reflecting on similar situations earlier this season, Slot said: “I don’t think he’s distracted at all. I didn’t see it after the (Manchester) United game in September when there were some comments from Salah, and then a post after the win over Brighton that you told me about. After that, he just kept on scoring. He’s just fully focused on the game tomorrow.”

Photo: IMAGO

Slot insisted that any external noise has had no impact on Liverpool’s preparations. “These kinds of things are for inside here. In the media and among fans, it’s completely normal to talk about it, but if you had been at the AXA (training ground) today, I don’t think any player talked about it. I worked yesterday on preparing the team in the best possible way, and this wasn’t for one time on my mind.”

Praise and Criticism for Salah

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher recently described Salah’s public comments as “selfish,” though he also lauded the Egyptian as one of Liverpool’s all-time greats. Slot opted to focus on the latter sentiment, saying: “I focus a bit more on what else he (Carragher) said — he said Mo was one of the five best players Liverpool ever had, and I completely agree with him, which is not an easy thing as there have been many great players at this club. I don’t think it distracts Mo at all. Maybe it even brings the best out of him if you look at his performances until now.”

Liverpool Ready for Real Madrid Challenge

Slot’s confidence in Salah was echoed by left-back Andy Robertson, who painted a picture of a determined and content dressing room. “Honestly, for us as players, it’s nothing we can really get involved in,” Robertson remarked. “Mo didn’t look sad to me! Mo comes into training every day with a smile on his face. He’s in the gym and on the training pitch working as hard as ever. He’s one of the happiest people in the training ground.”

As Liverpool look to end a 15-year winless run against Real Madrid, Robertson added: “He will be in the house now focused on tomorrow night. That’s what the best in the world do, and Mo falls into that category.”

Conclusion

Salah’s situation might be dominating the headlines, but within the Liverpool camp, it’s business as usual. With Slot’s unwavering belief in his star player and a squad ready to rise to the challenge, Liverpool are poised to face Real Madrid with determination and focus.