Arne Slot says Mo Salah and him 'want the best for the club' despite public fall-out

Slot speaking to Salah
Slot speaking to SalahREUTERS

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has spoken to the media ahead of the final clash of the season against Brentford.

Liverpool were thoroughly beaten 4-2 by Aston Villa last Friday as pressure grows on Slot, who is yet to secure Champions League football this season in what has been a disappointing title defence. 

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With Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson saying their goodbyes to the club after the game, it will be an emotional day at Anfield as the club aims to finish the season with a flourish. 

Slot admitted that he knows what kind of performance is needed this weekend as the club aim to place their names amongst Europe’s elite. 

"We know what we need to do. We need to win or have a draw, otherwise we still have an acceptable goal difference. 

 "I think we would like to give our fans a nice way of ending the season because there have been far too many disappointments this season for us. 

"With 'us', I mean the club and that includes the fans, the staff and the players as well. We want to end with a win, knowing that Brentford is playing for something really important as well." 

Slot and Salah are on the same page

Ahead of the game, Salah implied Slot's standards and style were to blame for this season's struggles. It is unclear whether Salah will start the game against Brentford as Slot spoke on the Egyptian's comments, which he says shows that the pair are on the same page.

"I don't know if it had an impact on the group. What I have seen is that the team have trained really well this week, and we hope to continue really well in the upcoming two days so we are really prepared.

"I think Mo and I have the same interest - we want the best for this club. We want the club to be as successful as possible. We were both part of giving the fans their first league title in five years - but we are also aware of this season.

"What we want, what he wants and what I want is for the club to be as successful as last season. That is where my main focus is at now because the game on Sunday could give us a really base heading into next season. That is where we should focus."

Slot then revealed that it is likely the winger features this weekend, as he aims to say farewell to supporters who responded well to his social media post, which sparked much conversation.

"Will he play? I never say anything about team selection, so I won't do that now. A lot of ifs but we know what we need Sunday. I think we would like to give our fans a nice way to end the season, because too many disappointments for us and the club and the fans and staff and players. We want to end with a win. Brentford play for something important as well. We want to be in the best possible place."

Has the squad reacted to Slot rumours?

Finally, as fans call for Slot to step down, the Dutchman was asked if he had seen any changes amongst the squad, who he says remain committed despite constant reports that he may depart.

"Social media came when I was older, so I don't know what it means if you like a post or not. What I know in my world is to see how they train; I have not seen anything different. We had a good week, and it is never easy after a result like Villa. The boys trained well, and I expect that."

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