Manager says issues with player have been settled; Slot wants his team to “build on the last five games”
Arne Slot has said Liverpool have drawn a line under Mohamed Salah’s recent criticism of the club, insisting there are no unresolved issues with the forward, who has left for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Salah rocked the boat earlier this month after speaking out following Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds, where he was benched for a third consecutive match.
The Egypt international said he felt he had been “thrown under the bus” and suggested his relationship with Slot had broken down. He was then left out of the squad for the Champions League game against Inter Milan before returning last weekend against Brighton.
“I said last week, actions speak louder than words,” Slot said. “We moved on. He was in the squad and was the first substitution I made. Now he’s got Afcon and will play some big games so it’s only fair that all focus is on them.”
Salah came on in the first half of Liverpool’s 2-0 win over the Seagulls after Joe Gomez was forced off injured. He provided an assist for Hugo Ekitike’s second goal in what proved to be his final appearance before linking up with Egypt.
Depending on how far his country progress, he could miss up to seven matches, starting with Saturday’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur. Liverpool are seventh in the Premier League, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal, with Tottenham four points back in 11th. Slot feels positive about his side’s season after enduring a difficult autumn.
“I think we are progressing,” said Liverpool’s manager. “I had to play players who weren’t fit too many times this season. I see players progressing in terms of their fitness and, as a result of that, their performances.
“The main focus for us is to build on the last five games. We were solid defensively. That’s a good base, combined with the players getting more and more ready to compete at Premier League intensity. I think there is more coming from us.”
