Arne Slot reveals private chat as he teases Liverpool player’s role
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has strongly suggested that Mohamed Salah could take on a more prominent role now that he has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Egypt forward had previously slipped down the pecking order following a downturn in form earlier in the season, a situation that culminated in a very public disagreement with Slot. However, that episode now appears to be in the past, with the Liverpool boss indicating he is eager to reintegrate Salah for tonight’s Champions League clash against Marseille.
Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the fixture, Slot outlined his attacking options and downplayed any lingering tension with the forward.
“I’m really pleased he’s back,” Slot said. “In his absence, we’ve done fairly well defensively and have gradually started to create more chances. When you’re creating opportunities, it certainly helps to have someone like Mohamed Salah available. There’s only one living player who has scored more goals for this club, and unfortunately I can’t still select Ian Rush, so it’s great to have Mo back.”
Slot added that relations between the pair are back to normal, aside from one previous exception. He confirmed he had spoken with Salah earlier in the day and stressed the importance of having him available, noting that Salah and Cody Gakpo are the only wide players to have played more than 100 Premier League minutes this season.
While Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz can also operate out wide, Slot suggested those positions are not their preferred roles. He also highlighted Salah’s Champions League pedigree, pointing out that the forward has scored 45 goals in the competition for Liverpool—far more than any other current player.
Liverpool have endured a difficult domestic campaign, with their title ambitions effectively over barring a dramatic turnaround. As a result, the Champions League could provide a welcome focus for Slot’s side. With six European titles to their name and a rich recent history in the competition under Jurgen Klopp, the Reds will hope to draw on that tradition to salvage a positive outcome from an otherwise challenging season.
