Yahoo Sports Liverpool boss insists contract situations are not a ‘distraction’
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is adamant that the contract situations surround three of his key players are not a “distraction” as they fight for trophies on all fronts.
Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and captain Virgil van Dijk have all entered the final few months of their current deals and could leave Anfield for nothing in the summer.
Speculation over the trio’s futures has mounted in recent weeks, particularly after Liverpool were held to a 2-2 at home by Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s League Cup semi-final first leg against Tottenham Hotspur, Slot says he does not believe the predicament has any bearing on the team’s performances.
Liverpool contract situations are not a ‘distraction’
“If Mohamed Salah misses a penalty against Real Madrid he’s distracted by his ‘contract situation’,” the Dutchman said in his pre-match press conference.
“If Trent doesn’t play well he’s distracted by his ‘contract situation’.
“If everybody plays well, nobody is distracted by their ‘contract distraction’.
“Nine times out of 10, [results are] down to how well the other team plays.”
Salah has said that this is likely his “last season” at Liverpool, claiming there has been no progress made in contract negotiations.
Alexander-Arnold was the subject of a £20 million transfer bid from Real Madrid last week, which the Reds rejected.
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