Arne Slot has insisted there has been no disruption inside the Liverpool dressing room following Mohamed Salah’s social media criticism of the team’s playing style.
The Egyptian forward sparked debate after Liverpool’s defeat to Aston Villa by posting his desire to see the return of “heavy metal football” — a phrase famously associated with former manager Jurgen Klopp.
Salah’s post quickly gained attention online, especially after several Liverpool players interacted with it publicly.
Despite the speculation surrounding the comments, Slot says preparations for Sunday’s crucial clash against Brentford have remained completely professional.
“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,” he said.
“Out of experience I know that is usually not the most simple week but the boys trained really well and I’m expecting them to do the same in the upcoming two days.
“I don’t think it is that important what I feel about it. What is important is that we qualify for the Champions League on Sunday and I prepare Mo and the whole team in the best possible way for the game.”
Salah is preparing for his final appearance at Anfield after an extraordinary nine-year spell with Liverpool, during which he became one of the club’s greatest modern players.
Slot also pushed back against suggestions that his tactical style conflicts with Salah’s preferences, reminding critics that Liverpool lifted the Premier League title under his leadership just last season.
“You are doing a lot of assumptions; first of all you say that he wants to play that style and then say it is not my style,” added the Dutchman.
“I think Mo was really happy with the style we played last year as it lead to us winning the league.
“Football has changed, football has evolved, but we both want what is best for Liverpool and that is for us to compete for trophies, which we haven’t done this season.
“He and the team – and I was included in that – brought the league title back after five years and we would like to challenge for that again next season and continue to evolve the team. That is my take on it.
“We have to find that right balance of still being able to compete but definitely also play the brand and style of football the fans want to see and I want my team to play.”
Liverpool head into the final weekend sitting fifth in the Premier League table and still requiring at least one point to mathematically guarantee UEFA Champions League football next season.
The club are also preparing for a major summer rebuild, with both Salah and long-serving defender Andy Robertson expected to depart Anfield.
Slot acknowledged the importance of securing a return to Europe’s elite competition as Liverpool plan for the future.
“That has an impact on our plans. That is definite,” he said.
Meanwhile, Alexander Isak is expected to return to training on Friday after missing the Aston Villa defeat with a minor injury concern.
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