Liverpool FC coach Arne Slot commented on the future of the Egyptian international football player Mohamed Salah, the team’s star, as his contract with the Reds expires at the end of this season.
This followed after Salah’s statements in which he indicated that he did not receive any offers to renew his contract with the Reds.
Slot spoke during the press conference for the Liverpool FC and Real Madrid match in the Champions League.
He said: “I have said several times that I will not comment on contracts, the only thing I can say is if you look at my lineup, Mohamed Salah is more present than absent.”
Slot added: “I do not think there is any distraction for him or the players and certainly not for me.”
Liverpool, led by Slot, are preparing to face Real Madrid on Wednesday in the Champions League this season.
Salah’s statements
Salah’s statements about his future with Liverpool FC sparked widespread controversy and made a large share of headlines in European newspapers.
The star player expressed his disappointment, saying that he might be closer to leaving than staying if he did not receive a suitable offer from Liverpool.
This came during his interview with journalists after the Southampton match, during which the Egyptian King scored a brace, leading the team to victory and moving away at the top of the Premier League standings.
Salah stated: “We are about to enter December and I have not received any offers yet to stay at Liverpool, and the chances of me leaving have become more than my staying, and as you know I have been at the club for many years, there is no club like this, but in the end the matter is not in my hands, and as I said before, we are in December and I have not received anything yet about my future.”
“I love the fans, and the fans love me, and in the end the matter is not in my hands or in the hands of the fans, let’s wait and see.”
Newspapers react
The global version of Goal website believes that Salah has every right to be angry.
The Goal website stated: “Salah should not only be disappointed by Liverpool’s failure to make an offer for him, but he should also be angry, as the Egyptian player has done everything to deserve what he asked for.”
The Athletic newspaper said that Salah did not choose the right time to speak to the media about his future, indicating that the upper hand in Liverpool FC will change from focusing on the matches against Real Madrid and Manchester City to talking about the Egyptian’s future at Anfield.
The English website Liverpool Echo said that the Reds fans should be concerned about Salah’s future.
Liverpool Echo stated: “What Salah said is worrying. I think every fan who reads his statements will be worried… The situation seems ambiguous because Salah could soon negotiate with any other club, and what does that mean? Of course, it is bad news for Liverpool.”
