Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has addressed Mohamed Salah’s inconsistent start to the season ahead of the highly anticipated Merseyside derby against Everton. Despite Salah’s two goals in four Premier League matches this season, both came in less-than-critical moments—a penalty against Burnley and a late strike in a secured victory over Bournemouth. His lackluster performance against Newcastle earlier this month raised eyebrows, falling short of the lofty standards expected from the Egyptian star.
However, Salah rediscovered his spark in the Champions League, delivering a goal and an assist in Liverpool’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid, sealed by a late Virgil van Dijk header. Speaking at a press conference, Slot acknowledged the challenges Salah has faced but praised his ability to remain a decisive figure for the team, even during off-days.
“For me, when you are a great player, you still contribute to the team even when you don’t play well. Not a lot of them can contribute to the team with goals and assists when they don’t play, that is what stands out for Mo,” Slot said. “It is so difficult to always be the player he was against Atletico, but he still has goals and assists, and that is why he is still so highly regarded and respected. A lot of players play well when the team is, and not a lot can score or assist when they don’t. But I prefer to see him how he was against Atletico. Newcastle, hardly ever in play with the ball, so it was tough, but Atletico was a joy to watch.”
Rodrygo Addresses £86m Liverpool Transfer Rumours
Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Rodrygo, long touted as a potential long-term replacement for Salah on Liverpool’s right flank, has broken his silence on transfer speculation linking him with a move to Anfield. The 24-year-old was heavily linked with several Premier League clubs over the summer, with reports suggesting Real Madrid placed an £86million price tag on him. Despite the rumors, Rodrygo remained with the Spanish giants and has now dismissed the speculation with a lighthearted take.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Rodrygo said, “I’m used to it; every year they say I’m leaving. During the transfer window, every week I was on a different team. I even joked with my parents and friends: ‘Look, today I’m on this one, tomorrow I’m on that one.’ Every week I was on a different team, but, as I said, I was very calm mentally and it didn’t affect me at all.”
Rodrygo reaffirmed his commitment to Real Madrid, stating, “I continued enjoying my vacation, training because I knew this [Real Madrid] was where I would continue. Well, in the end, I’m still at home, in the place I always dreamed of being. I’ll continue giving my all every day I wear this shirt.”
Anthony Gordon’s Warning to Liverpool
Adding to the narrative, Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, a former Everton star, issued a warning to Liverpool and other English clubs in the Champions League following his side’s 2-1 defeat to Barcelona. Gordon, who scored a late consolation goal at St. James’ Park, highlighted the unique challenge posed by Barcelona’s possession-based style, which he believes sets them apart from Premier League heavyweights like Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
“I think in ways the way they keep the ball was a learning experience. We don’t play against that kind of style in England, not at that level anyway. I thought they were the best I’ve played against in that sense of the game,” Gordon told BeIN Sports. “We’ve played against some top teams, City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, but the way they pass the ball, the midfielders, the way they were fluid in their movement and combining, made it really hard for us to press, and it’s not easy coming here and doing that.”
Looking Ahead: Liverpool’s Challenges
As Liverpool prepare for the Merseyside derby, Slot’s comments on Salah underline the winger’s importance to the team, even amidst a “tough” start to the season. The dismissal of Rodrygo’s transfer rumors puts to rest speculation about an immediate replacement, leaving fans to focus on Salah’s ability to deliver in crucial moments. Meanwhile, Gordon’s warning about Barcelona serves as a reminder of the challenges awaiting Liverpool in the Champions League, where they’ll need their star players firing on all cylinders to compete with Europe’s elite.
With Salah showing signs of returning to his best and Slot’s confidence in his talisman, Liverpool fans will hope the Egyptian can lead the Reds to victory in the upcoming derby and beyond.