Ahead Of Real Madrid's Opponents, Mohamed Salah Is Not Disturbed By Contract Drama With Liverpool

JAKARTA - Liverpool manager Arne Slot said Mohamed Salah was not disturbed by his contract situation at the club even though he publicly expressed his disappointment at not being offered a new contract officially.

Salah sparked controversy when he gave reporters rare interviews after scoring twice in Liverpool's win over Southampton 3-2 on Sunday, November 24, 2024.

The Egyptian, whose contract expires next summer, replied that more out than coming in when asked if he would stay at the club next season.

"Well, we're almost into December. I haven't received any offers to stay at the club yet. So, maybe more out than going in," Salah told reporters at the time.

However, a source told ESPN that talks between player representatives and Liverpool had been ongoing and were positive.

Meanwhile, Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, who is also aware of the contract drama, confirmed in a press conference ahead of the match against Real Madrid in the Champions League that Salah would not be bothered by the matter.

Even Slot defended the attacker that he still really needed Salah.

"I've said many times, I don't agree with this. If I look at my line-up, Mo is more in than out," said Slot.

The Dutch coach later revealed that Mohamed Salah always focused on competing in the future.

Moreover, Arne Slot said that the 32-year-old striker was a differentiator in the team and could score the goal Liverpool needed when things were difficult.

"We want the numbers to stay as they are now. I don't think he's bothered. I haven't seen him yet."

"He only focuses fully on the game. These things are in the media and supporters are talking about it, but the players are not. I don't think there is a disturbance for him or the players," Slot said again.

The news about Salah's contract also reached the ears of former Liverpool defender and is now a pundit for English football, Jamie Carragher. He appointed Salah selfish because he openly discussed the termination of his contract.

However, Slot dismissed the idea and insisted that Salah remained focused on appearing on the pitch.

"I'm more focused on what (Carragher) said. He said he was one of the five best players Liverpool had. I agree with him."

"I don't think it's disturbing Mo. I think that makes him give his best."

"I talked to Mo about what I expected from him, as I did to all the players. He is in good condition right now," said Slot.

Arne Slot further also issued the latest information regarding injuries ahead of the Champions League match against Real Madrid at Anfield on Thursday, November 28, 2024, early morning WIB.

The 46-year-old manager confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold would be in the squad on match day, but would not be fit to play against Real Madrid. You see, the right-back is still in the process of recovering from a hamstring injury.

Alexander-Arnold, along with captain Virgil van Dijk, will also expire his contract at the end of the season. Specifically for the England national team player, he has been widely linked with his move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

ESPN understands that he was Real Madrid's main defense target after Dani Carvajal's injury last month which is predicted to only recover at the end of this season.

Liverpool will also play without Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa, and Kostas Tsimikas against Real Madrid.