Liverpool manager Arne Slot has dismissed concerns that contract talks and transfer speculation are distracting forward Mohamed Salah, whose current deal expires at the end of the season.
Salah recently expressed disappointment at not being offered a new contract, telling reporters he is “probably more out than in.” However, Slot remains confident in the forward’s focus.
“If you look at my line-ups, Mo is definitely more in than out,” Slot said. “I haven’t seen any signs of distraction. Since his comments after the United game in September, he’s kept scoring and performing at the highest level. Even today at the Axa training ground, no one was talking about it.”
Salah, 32, has been Liverpool’s standout performer this season, netting 12 goals in all competitions. His brace in Sunday’s victory over Southampton helped the Reds extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points.
Liverpool now face a challenging week, with a Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday followed by a Premier League showdown with reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday.
“Players are focused on the immediate tasks ahead,” Slot emphasized. “For Mo and the squad, it’s all about Madrid and City right now. There’s no distraction for them or for me.”
Salah isn’t the only key player facing an uncertain future. Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold and captain Virgil van Dijk are also out of contract at the end of the season. A club insider told BBC Sport that ongoing discussions with Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, have been positive.
On Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher criticized Salah for publicly addressing his contract situation, calling the comments “selfish.” However, Carragher also praised Salah, ranking him among Liverpool’s top five players of all time.
Slot responded to Carragher’s remarks by highlighting the positive side. “I completely agree with Jamie that Mo is one of the top five players this club has ever had, which is no small feat given Liverpool’s history. I don’t think his comments are a distraction; if anything, they seem to bring the best out of him. My focus is on the next game, and Mo is in a great place right now.”
Defender Andy Robertson echoed Slot’s sentiments, insisting the speculation hasn’t affected the team dynamic. “Mo is the ultimate professional,” Robertson said. “The same goes for Trent and Virgil. They’ve been leaders this season, and their focus on training and matches sets an example for everyone in the dressing room. If they’re not distracted, neither are we.”
SOURCE: BBC
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