Yahoo Sports Arne Slot responds to Mo Salah comments over Liverpool contract
Arne Slot does not believe Mo Salah’s comments over his contract situation at Liverpool are not a distraction as they prepare to face Real Madrid in the Uefa Champions League.
The Egyptian winger, whose contract at Anfield expires next summer, said he is “disappointed” he has not been offered a new deal by the club and is “probably more out than in”.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Slot refused to give any details on contract talks ahead of Wednesday night’s game.
“We don’t share this over here, at least I don’t,” the Dutchman said. “The only thing I can say is, if I look at my line-ups, Mo is more in than out.”
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Slot is clam about the situation and has no worries over it unsettling Salah or his squad as they vye for Premier League and Champions League success this season.
“I don’t think he’s distracted at all,” he said. “I haven’t seen that after the United game where he had some comments, I haven’t seen it after a post you told me about, he just kept on scoring. I haven’t seen anything today, he is just fully focused on the game tomorrow.
“If you would have been at the AXA [training centre] today, I don’t think any player spoke about it, at least not when I was there. Players are focused on the short-term and that is Madrid and that is City.
“By the time Mo’s contract is extended, players don’t look at it that way. There is no distraction for him, the players and definitely not for me.”
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher was far more willing to criticise the Liverpool star over his comments, calling them “selfish” on Monday Night Football.
“I focus a bit more on what else he said,” Slot said. “He said he was one of the best five players Liverpool had. I agree with him. I don’t think it distracts Mo. I think it brings the best out of him.”
Read – Mo Salah slammed over ‘selfish’ Liverpool contract comments
Read – Huge injury blow for Real Madrid ahead of Liverpool clash
