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Arne Slot was pleased to see Mohamed Salah return to Liverpool looking “fit and strong” as he called on the Egyptian to set the example for their blossoming youngsters.
Liverpool’s prolific forward is preparing for an eighth season at Anfield, but questions are again being asked of his future as the Reds embark on a new era. Jurgen Klopp, the man who signed Salah, has moved aside with Slot taking control following his move from Feyenoord.
The highly-rated Dutch coach was always going to cast his eye over the personnel on Merseyside as he looks to put his stamp on things. Salah is a top earner at Liverpool and also one of their most expensive assets, but Slot’s focus is solely on what he can bring to the group.
He told the club’s website:
“Mo came back strong, he was really fit. That’s what I think he always has been but it’s the same this year. What you want from them, like I said, is to set the example for the youngsters as well. For them, it’s very important — just like the other ones from the first team — that they stay fit. They are full of energy and that’s the most important thing at the moment; keep them fit, build it up from there and try to teach them as much as we can.”
Salah is certainly one of the experienced core and one of the survivors from the triumphs that saw the Reds win the Champions League and Premier League in successive seasons.
Last summer he was the subject of bids from Saudi Arabia, which would’ve seen Liverpool land a club-record fee for a player sale. There is an appetite from the Saudi Pro League to eventually land Salah, who would still command a hefty fee if the club did cash in.
The Egyptian himself has expressed no desire to leave Anfield and posted on social media in the aftermath of last season to underline his motivation to win trophies.
Jamie Carragher was among those last term to suggest that his former club did need to make a decision on whether or not they retain the services of Salah. The forward tailed off in the latter stages of the campaign as Liverpool’s title hopes faded.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “There is a real discussion for the new manager about what the future holds for Mo Salah — it’s the first time we’ve asked that question. He only has a year to go on his contract. He’s looked a shadow of himself for a lot of this season but especially since he’s come back from injury. He is Liverpool’s legend, superstar, one of the all-time greats. But he’s been so far off it.” — Mirror.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter