Liverpool coach Arne Slot insists that there will be no change in Liverpool’s approach after Mohamed Salah criticized his team’s style of play this season.
In a social media post after the defeat at Aston Villa, the Egyptian said he wanted to see a return to “iron football” in a vague reference to former manager Jurgen Klopp.
But after a disappointing season for everyone at the club Slot didn’t think those comments got him down.
“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.
“From experience I know it’s usually not an easy week but the boys have trained well and I expect them to do the same over the next two days.
“I don’t think what I hear is that important. The important thing is that we qualify for the Champions League on Sunday and I am preparing Mo and the whole team in the best possible way for the game.”
The £90m defender is now “prioritizing” Liverpool this summer
He has made his decision.
In Salah’s direct answer, Slot said that the striker was happy enough when he won the Premier League last season but that the evolution of the game means that it will not be easy to repeat.
“There’s a lot to think about; first you say you want to play that style and then you say it’s not my style,” added the athlete.
“I think Mo was very happy with the style we played last year as it led to us winning the league.”
Liverpool are expected to back the manager for the second summer in a row by replacing Salah and possibly Ibrahima Konate, who is yet to sign a new contract.
And they have already identified RB Leipzig striker Yan Diomande as their top target to replace the former, but he is not the only winner on their agenda.
Liverpool and Arsenal await Barcola’s decision
Indeed, Fabrizio Romano revealed in a YouTube video this weekend that PSG star Bradley Barcola is a must for both Liverpool and Arsenal, and it will just come down to what the player likes this summer.
Meanwhile, Diomande is also wanted by PSG, possibly as a replacement for the French player.
“Barcola is an option for Liverpool for sure, he is a player that Liverpool value a lot,” said Romano. “So, Diomande, PSG or Liverpool. Barcola, Arsenal, Liverpool or a new contract at PSG.”
He added: “Barcola and Diomande are two names that must be followed, in both cases the player (will decide), the player’s decision will be very important.”
Barcola, who has been called ‘one of the best full-backs in the world’ by Como scout Ben Mattinson, has scored 11 goals in Ligue 1 this season and twice in the Champions League.
Liverpool have already secured a deal for young Colombian midfielder Samuel Martinez.
Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool have agreed a deal to take over from Bayern Munich
Liverpool, Bayern and Borussia Dortmund have all been vying for the exciting young striker.
