Liverpool manager reassures on Salah’s return and discusses their relationship ahead of Marseille match
Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed confidence in Mohamed Salah’s return to the starting lineup against Marseille in the upcoming Europa League match, noting that his relationship with the player has returned to its normal state.
It is noted that Salah’s last appearance for Liverpool was at the start of last season during the team’s 4-1 loss to PSV Heidenheim at Anfield. However, he regained his form during the recent Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored four goals for his national team, which finished in fourth place.
Before leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations, the 33-year-old player gave a sharp interview in which he claimed there was “someone who does not want me at the club” and indicated he was no longer aligned with Slot after being sidelined.
When asked if he had the chance to review the situation with Salah following the events in December, Slot said: “I experienced a period where I didn’t have the chance to play Mo (Salah), and twice I wasn’t with him during the [AC Milan] match. In the rest of the matches, he was in the squad and was the youngest player to be substituted against Brighton. So, there was never any issue for me at any time.”
“He will return to the team sheet for the first time because he resumed training today and will participate in tomorrow’s match. Let’s see the lineup tomorrow and see if you still think there’s any problem.”
Slot’s players have remained unbeaten since Salah’s absence for the tournament, but the Dutch coach admitted he was “relieved” to have Liverpool’s top European goalscorer available again.
“I am truly happy and optimistic about his return,” Slot confirmed. “In his absence, I think we performed acceptably, especially in terms of creating offensive play. If you prefer creating football, having Mohamed Salah is very useful. There was only one player who scored more goals in this [striking] position, but I don’t think I can play Ian Rush right now! It will be very useful to have him with us again.”
When asked about his relationship with the player, he said: “It is in the usual way, with the exception of the AC Milan match.”
He added: “I spoke with him today and I am happy he is back. This season, I’ve only had two players who have played more than 100 minutes in the English league, Mo and Cody (Gakpo).”
“Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz can also play in those two positions, but if I were to talk to Florian to understand his preferred position, he wouldn’t say wing or right—which is the same for Jeremie, although he has shown what he can do from the right wing.”
“I saw today that Mo has reached 45 goals in the Europa League with Liverpool, while the next highest is Virgil van Dijk with 5. So it’s nice to see him again, especially if he can reach the levels that brought him 45 goals once more.”
Liverpool took 20 players to Marseille, though Ibrahima Konaté did not travel due to a family matter.
Roberto De Zerbi’s match will impact the quest to finish in the top five and avoid the additional playoff matches in the final match next month. The “Reds” will host Qarabag in their final group stage match on Saturday, January 28.
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