Arne Slot breaks silence on Salah’s shock Liverpool exit announcement | OneFootball

Arne Slot praises Mohamed Salah’s relentless hunger at Liverpool

Arne Slot has spoken at length about Mohamed Salah, highlighting the unique qualities that have allowed the forward to remain one of world football’s elite. The No.11 announced last week that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable nine-year chapter that has produced 255 goals in 435 appearances and nine winner’s medals.

Salah’s numbers are staggering, but they only tell part of the story. Slot has worked closely with the Egyptian international for nearly two seasons and witnessed first-hand the professionalism and character that have underpinned his long-standing success at Anfield.

“I knew, so it wasn’t new news to me, but I think it was very good to hear and see all the reactions of his teammates, but also from everywhere around the world, for what he has done for this football club and for football in general,” Slot said when speaking to Liverpoolfc.com.

Hunger and professionalism set Salah apart

Slot emphasised Salah’s dedication from the very first day he joined him at Liverpool. “Then I started working with him and already the first day I was impressed by his professionalism because as with any season, it starts with a test that shows how much they did in the off-season and he beat all of them. He was the fittest player that came back, and I think that’s the ideal situation that you want as a manager: that your star player comes back as fit as he did.”

Despite his legendary status, Salah’s drive has never waned. “He had nothing to prove, but for himself he had a lot to prove because Mo always thinks he has to prove something every three days. That hunger never stops and that is something that I find most special about him.”

Slot also praised Salah’s consistency and influence over the past decade, remarking, “So many good players around the world [and] he’s definitely one of them in the last 10 years, that everybody talks about being one of the best there is and was in the last 10 years. To show that hunger every three days, that professionalism, that commitment to the club, to the team, to wanting to score again, always wanting to play – when you take him out three minutes before the end, he’s like, ‘Maybe I could have scored one extra!’ – that is what stands out for me.”

Photo: IMAGO

Salah’s legacy to continue through key matches

Although his departure has been confirmed, Salah remains focused on finishing the 2025-26 season strongly. Liverpool face Manchester City in the Emirates FA Cup, a Champions League quarter-final double-header with Paris Saint-Germain, and crucial Premier League clashes against Fulham and Everton.

Slot believes that Salah can still enhance his legacy in these final weeks. “Hopefully he can make his legacy even more special in the upcoming weeks and months where we still play for something special. But he will always leave this club as a legend because, as I said, the way this club has performed in the last seasons is also for a large part due to what he’s done for it.”

The manager also highlighted Salah’s role within Liverpool’s famous front three, stating, “Scoring goals, having his assists. As I said, as a fan I watched him and that front three with Sadio Mane and Bobby Firmino… everybody is still talking about that, and rightly so.”

Fan support crucial for season finale

Slot also stressed the importance of fan support for Salah and the team during this crucial period. “Mo definitely deserves that the fans give him a great farewell. If they want to do it game after game after game, I’m completely fine with that, because it usually helps players if they get the help from the fans, but it would be perfect if it’s not only about Mo. We need this because [we have] challenging games.”

He pointed to the example of the Galatasaray matches as evidence of the fans’ influence, “If there were ever two fixtures that showed how important our fans were, it is Galatasaray, because we’d lost twice against them away from home but the moment we played at home with our fans supporting us in the way they did that game [really helped]. How our players played probably helped as well, but the support was incredible.”

Liverpool supporters will have their final opportunity to see Salah in action on May 24 when Brentford visit Anfield, a day expected to be full of emotion and celebration.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan perspective, Slot’s comments capture exactly why Mohamed Salah will be remembered as a true legend of the club. His hunger, professionalism, and consistency have set him apart, not only on the pitch but in the culture of the team. Even in a season where numbers may not match his peak years, his influence remains tangible.

Fans will rightly be focused on giving him the send-off he deserves, yet Slot’s point about the team needing full support resonates deeply. This season, more than ever, Liverpool need the crowd behind them as they navigate a challenging final stretch of fixtures. The tragic passing of Diogo Jota last year has left a void, and Salah’s leadership and drive have helped the squad carry on in a difficult period.

Salah’s farewell will be emotional, but it also underlines his impact. From breaking record after record to leading by example in training and matches, he embodies the values Liverpool fans hold dear. His commitment to scoring, assisting, and pushing the team forward will be remembered long after he leaves Anfield. Fans, as Slot highlighted, play a vital role in ensuring that final chapter is celebrated in style while supporting the squad in pursuit of silverware.

Salah’s legacy will not just be in numbers; it is in the culture, the memories, and the inspiration he leaves behind at Liverpool.