Arne Slot insists there is “no issue to resolve” with Mohamed Salah as the Liverpool forward prepares to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations. His future remains a major talking point, but Slot kept his message simple. He said Salah is “the same as any other player” despite last week’s controversy.
Salah returned to the squad for the 2-0 win over Brighton. He had been dropped after giving an outspoken interview in which he said he had been “thrown under the bus” and questioned his long-term stay at Anfield.
He came on midway through the first half and made an instant contribution. His corner set up Hugo Ekitike’s second goal. The assist also helped Salah pass Wayne Rooney’s Premier League goal involvement record. It was his 277th contribution, with 188 goals and 89 assists.
Talks with his representatives will continue while he is away at AFCON. Slot remained calm when asked about the situation.
“For me there is no issue to resolve. He is now the same as any other player,” he said.
“I usually never say anything about what we talk about, I am not going to make an exception now but I think actions speak louder than what has been said and he was in the squad again.”
Slot praised Salah’s impact.
“He was a threat and that is very important.”
After the match, Salah applauded all sides of Anfield. He paused in front of the Kop, but Slot did not think it was a farewell.
“Mo is going to go to AFCON, I hope he is going to do very well.”
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler felt his team missed chances in the game.
“It is quite a frustrating result,” he said.
“We deserved more but that is football.”
Liverpool now move into a crucial period without one of their key players.
