Liverpool Head Coach Responds to Criticism of Mo Salah

Arne Slot reacted to Jamie Carragher's remarks, defending Liverpool forward Mo Salah, whom he believes remains focused.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot responded to Jamie Carragher’s critique of Mohamed Salah, stating that the forward is not distracted. Salah has entered the final year of his contract at Liverpool, and whether he will sign a new deal remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the 32-year-old is performing exceptionally well this season.

With 12 goals and ten assists in his 18 appearances across all competitions this term, Salah isn’t showing signs of slowing down. After netting twice in Liverpool’s 3-2 victory over Southampton, Salah expressed that he feels he is “more out than in” and is “disappointed” not to have received a new contract offer. In response, club legend Carragher accused Salah of being “selfish” and asserted that Liverpool “will move on.”

During a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Slot was questioned about Salah. He firmly stated there was no contract update but reiterated that his star player is “not distracted at all.” “We don’t discuss this here, at least I don’t. The only thing I can say is that Mo plays more than he doesn’t,” Slot remarked.

He continued: “I don’t think he’s distracted at all. I haven’t noticed anything after the United game where he made comments, or after the post you mentioned, he just continues scoring. Today, too, he is completely focused on tomorrow’s match. If you had been at Axa today, I doubt any player spoke about it, at least not in my presence. Players are focused on the immediate future, which is Madrid and City.”

Carragher also claimed that Salah is one of Liverpool’s “five best-ever players,” a point that Slot chose to emphasize when responding to the “selfish” accusation. “I focus more on what else he mentioned. He said Salah is one of the five best players Liverpool have ever had, and I fully agree with him, which isn’t easy considering the many great players in this club's history,” Slot continued.

“I don’t think it distracts Mo at all—perhaps it brings out the best in him. As I’ve said several times, my main focus is the next game. I talked to Mo about my expectations, just as I do with other players. He’s in a good state currently. I’m not distracted by his comments, nor do I think his teammates are either.”