Arne Slot Insists Liverpool Have “Moved On” From Salah Saga Amid Tactical Overhaul
Salah Drama at Anfield
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has downplayed speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future, insisting the club has “moved on” from the controversy that erupted earlier this month.
The Egyptian forward publicly criticized Slot and the club after being left out of the starting lineup for three consecutive matches, sparking rumors of a possible January exit. In response, Salah was briefly suspended for one additional game before reconciliation talks allowed him to return as a substitute in Liverpool’s 2–0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Salah has since departed to represent Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where his representatives are expected to continue discussions with Liverpool regarding his long-term future. Slot, however, stressed that the matter is closed from his perspective:
“Actions speak louder than words. We moved on, he was in the squad [against Brighton] and the first substitution I made. Now he is at AFCON, playing big games for his country, and all the focus should be there.”
Tactical Shifts After Summer Transfers
While Slot is eager to move past the Salah issue, questions remain about Liverpool’s broader tactical direction. Reports suggest Salah’s frustrations extend beyond his benching, with concerns over the club’s summer transfer activity.
The arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have forced Slot to reshape his attacking system, often at Salah’s expense. The new-look frontline has struggled for fluency, and defensive frailties have compounded the problem. Liverpool have conceded 24 goals in 16 Premier League matches, a record worse than more than half of the division.
Slot’s Assessment: Progress With “Ups and Downs”
Slot acknowledged the challenges of implementing his new system:
- Against Brighton, Liverpool conceded more chances than in their previous four unbeaten matches combined.
- Yet, Slot pointed to the team’s defensive resilience in Europe, highlighting their ability to restrict Inter Milan to a single clear chance at the San Siro.
- He admitted the balance between attack and defense remains inconsistent: “We’ve created more but conceded more as well, especially in second halves.”
Slot reflected on the difficulties of integrating new signings:
“We are getting closer to the team I want us to be, but it has come with ups and downs. Maybe I didn’t expect it to take this long. Looking back, I think I was too positive. With a new group, not all of them ready to play every game at this intensity, you have to adapt, and that takes time.”
What’s Next for Liverpool?
- Salah’s Future: Talks during AFCON could determine whether he stays beyond January.
- Squad Cohesion: Slot’s tactical rebuild hinges on Wirtz and Isak finding form.
- Defensive Stability: Addressing the 24 goals conceded will be crucial if Liverpool are to remain competitive in the Premier League and Europe.