Arne Slot joked that Mohamed Salah ‘expects’ Manchester City not to be in the Premier League next season as a result of their 115 alleged charges.
Salah revealed he might’ve played his final game against City at Anfield on Sunday, having helped inspire the Reds to a dominant 2-0 victory.
Talking to Sky Sports, he commented: “Honestly, it’s in my head. Until now, this is the last City game I will play for Liverpool, so I was just going to enjoy it.”
Liverpool‘s talisman is currently out of contract at the end of the season, with reports surfacing this week he could be Paris Saint-Germain bound.
When asked whether Sunday’s win over City would prove Salah’s final league match at Anfield against the Premier League champions, Slot replied: “Maybe Mo knows more about the 115 acquisitions [charges] that are done, so he expects them not to be in the Premier League next season.”
The subtle dig sparked giggles from the members of the press inside the room, but Slot was quick to clarify his comment was nothing more than a joke.
He continued: “This is not the place for me to speak about Mo’s contract. Maybe I’ve said too much already about the joke I’ve just made. So that will probably get the headlines, but it was a joke, I repeat it was a joke.”
Salah has had a hand in over two-thirds of Liverpool‘s Premier League goals this term, most recently assisting and scoring in the 2-0 win over City.
But fears Liverpool might’ve been too reliant on their Egyptian King have been raised in recent weeks – something Slot was quick to refute.
The ex-Feyenoord coach continued: “It’s a bit [of a danger to over-rely on Salah], but only because he can get an injury as well.
“Federico [Chiesa] has had a difficult start because of injuries so we don’t really have a replacement for Mo. But Harvey Elliott is getting fitter and fitter and has played this position before. I am not worried his numbers will drop off but more about an injury.”
Slot added: “Federico is also training with us again. He is getting back and Harvey is getting back, but the best thing that can happen to us is Mo stays fit and keeps producing these numbers.”
If Liverpool are able to keep Salah fit all season, there’s every chance they’ll secure their second Premier League title in five years.
The six-time European champions are now well ahead in the list of favourites for the title, but Slot is keen to keep his player’s feet on the ground.
Commenting on the title race, Slot said: “It’s not that special for us to be on top of the Premier League or Champions League. This club, this team, these players are used to be top of the league and competing for every trophy.
“They have experienced this. They also know it’s a long season and to win the league against the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and City – because I see those three as our main competitors – that you have to be on top of our game for 10 months.
“We’ve seen the quality of the three already and know we have to stay on top of our game. We now face Newcastle who beat Arsenal and Chelsea at home, and drew with City. They don’t need me to tell them how tough a game it will be.”
Liverpool face Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Wednesday night.