Arne Slot speaks on Mohamed Salah ahead of emotional Liverpool exit | OneFootball

Liverpool Prepare for Mohamed Salah Farewell as Arne Slot Looks Ahead

Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool story is almost over, and Anfield is preparing for one of those afternoons where emotion, history and football all collide.

After nine extraordinary years, Salah is set to say goodbye when Liverpool face Brentford on Sunday. Andy Robertson is also expected to receive a major send-off, with the pair having won every top-level trophy available during a golden era on Merseyside.

Together, they could reach a combined 820 Liverpool appearances if both feature against Brentford. That number tells part of the story, but not all of it. Salah changed expectations at Liverpool. Robertson helped redefine the team’s intensity. Both became symbols of a club that climbed back to the summit.

Arne Slot Reflects on Premier League Glory

For Arne Slot, Salah’s departure carries personal significance. Their relationship this season has not always looked smooth, especially after Salah’s public comments following the 3-3 draw at Leeds United and his more recent social media post, widely interpreted as criticism of Liverpool’s playing style.

Yet Slot’s answer was revealing. He did not dwell on tension. He returned to last season, when Salah scored 29 Premier League goals and helped Liverpool win their 20th league title.

“How will I remember Mo? 100% last season, I think he said – and that means even more than when I said it, because he has won so many things at this club – he said the most special thing he has won was last season’s Premier League title,” Slot said in the embargo section of his pre-match press conference.

“Now I can safely say that was the most special thing I have won in my life, so I will remember that and how important he was in that season for the club. And as a result also for me with all the goals he scored.

“We, as a club, as a team, we weren’t on the same heights this season but I will 100% mainly remember him for last season and the fans should maybe remember him for all these seasons that he played for us but my main memory will definitely be last season.”

Photo: IMAGO

Champions League Focus Remains Crucial

Sentiment will dominate the stands, but Slot’s job is to keep Liverpool focused. Champions League qualification is still not mathematically complete, even if it would take a highly unusual set of results to deny them.

Slot understands the stakes. Liverpool need the financial, sporting and recruitment platform that Champions League football provides.

Slot added: “If you were to ask these two players (Robertson and Salah) – and I think it was also one of the things Mo said in his (social media) post – that he also understands how important qualification for the Champions League is for us.

“If we want to have an even more solid base than the one we have built this season, going into next season, then Champions League football is vital for that. It will give it an even more sold base than without Champions League football.”

Coaching Staff Question Lingers

Slot was also asked about Etienne Reijnen potentially joining Liverpool’s coaching staff. As expected, he kept his answer measured.

“As I always say about players, it is the same about staff members,” Slot said. “As long as things are not done, then I will not be commenting on who we are signing or who we don’t.

“It is fair to say that I have worked with him before. And I have a very high regard for him in terms of the coach he is.

“It is also clear that I tried to sign him two years ago when I first came here but we couldn’t do it.”

For Liverpool, Sunday is about farewell, but also direction. Salah leaves as a legend. Slot remains with the responsibility of building what comes next.