Liverpool manager Arne Slot appeared at a press conference ahead of the match at Anfield against Real Madrid.
Salah said he has still not received a renewal offer and sees himself “more outside the club” than in it. What do you think?
If I look at the composition of the team, he is more inside than out. This is what I can tell you.
Are you worried that he will be distracted?
He gives an extraordinary performance, as always. He wasn’t distracted at all. He also made statements after United and he continued to score. Today I saw him 100%, he was very active. These things are more noise than reality.
What image do you have of this week, of how it will unfold?
Tomorrow will be a big match. I’m sure of it. Real Madrid and Manchester City have dominated the continent for some time… as have Liverpool. It’s a special week, but once it’s over there will be another very important one, against Newcastle and Everton. This is what makes this club strong, it always plays important matches.
Are you becoming very popular in England?
The results are very positive, very good and that is a credit to the players. They are also becoming very popular in the city. Maybe the coach has something to do with it.
What do you think of Ancelotti?
Ask me after the match. If we win, it will be huge. And we can do it, of course. But we need to know the opponent we are going to face: an opponent who always finds a way to advance to the next round or win. That’s why they are this team. But that’s what’s good about tomorrow. Two great teams will face each other. We’re looking forward to it.
Did the team lose focus against Southampton because their minds were on Madrid?
On Sunday, we were 100% focused, but we conceded two goals. These are things that happen. Liverpool are always focused on the match, nothing else.
There hasn’t been a single victory against Madrid in the last eight games…
I didn’t even know we played so much in the last few years, I wasn’t there. For 2-5 (last season), when Liverpool led 2-0… but that’s what makes Real so special. They can win by suffering or by playing masterful football. Maybe that’s why they are among the best in Europe.
Will Alexander-Arnold play?
It’s funny that you talk about our injuries, because everyone talks about the Madrilenians’ injuries. He is summoned, but he will not be the starter. He will play, if necessary, coming off the bench. Chiesa is training, but he’s not ready either. Joe isn’t ready either and neither is Kostas.
Is it a relief that Vinicius is not there?
Yes, without a doubt. It changes the whole approach. Because there will be another player and another style of play. If Vinicius doesn’t play, we have to expect something else. It’s difficult to anticipate. But there will be eleven players of great quality. Whether Bellingham is a winger or a point guard, it doesn’t matter. They have so many options that now it’s a little harder to know how they’re going to start. We are expecting a surprise.
What do you think of Mbappé’s season and where would you place him: winger or nine?
There are a lot of questions about the opponent and the only thing I can say is that I don’t care so much about where he plays, but how good he is. We have to stop him, which is very difficult. We are talking about one of the best players in the world. I don’t know, I’m not the coach of Real Madrid, it’s not my job.
Do Real have something that the others don’t?
Maybe. When I was at Feyenoord, I used to say that we should be like Real Madrid: they always find a way to win. Sometimes they play better, sometimes worse, but they never slow down. If we win, it’s time to go further. Matches are not over until the referee blows the final whistle.
