Arne Slot has dismissed concerns over Liverpool players liking Mohamed Salah's critical Instagram post, insisting he focuses on their training commitment rather than social media activity.
Salah's Social Media Outburst
Following Liverpool's 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa—their 12th Premier League loss of the season—Salah took to Instagram to express his frustration. The Egyptian winger, who is set to leave Anfield after this campaign, wrote: "Us crumbling to yet another defeat this season was very painful and not what our fans deserve. I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies."
The post was liked by several Liverpool teammates, sparking speculation of dissent within the squad. However, Slot downplayed the significance, saying: "I don't really know what it exactly means if you 'like' a post, yes or no. 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."
Slot's Stance on Player Commitment
The Liverpool manager emphasized that he evaluates players based on their effort in training, not their online interactions. He noted that the team's dedication has remained consistent throughout the season, despite poor results.
Slot's Memories of Salah
Reflecting on Salah's tenure, Slot highlighted the forward's pivotal role in winning the Premier League title last season. "100 percent last season, he said the most special thing I have won was last season's Premier League title. Now I can safely say that was the most special thing I have won in my life so I will remember that and how important he was in that season for the club and as a result also for me with all the goals he scored," Slot said.
Strained Relationship
Despite their past success, the relationship between Slot and Salah has soured this season. Salah was benched after a dip in form, leading to a public outburst in December. "I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don't have any relationship. I don't know why but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn't want me in the club," Salah said at the time. "It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame."
Slot, however, remains focused on the team's performance and has urged unity as Liverpool prepare for their final match of the season.
