Arne Slot tempered his criticism of Mohamed Salah for his outspoken comments regarding Liverpools style of play but pointed out the Egyptian had no issues last season when the club won the league title.Salah will play his final game for the Merseysiders against Brentford on Sunday but will do so having angered many fans and former players after appearing to undermine Slot by questioning his approach following last Fridays 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa.Writing on X, Salah said: Us crumbling to yet another defeat this season was very painful and not what our fans deserve. I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies. That is the football I know how to play and that is the identity that needs to be recovered and kept for good. It cannot be negotiable and everyone that joins this club should adapt to it.The phrase heavy-metal football became synonymous with Slots predecessor Jurgen Klopp with the Dutchman preferring a slightly more conservative approach.Slots methods worked 12 months ago with Liverpool winning the Premier League title in his first year in charge but they have struggled to replicate that level of performance this season and still require a point against Brentford on the final day to guarantee a Champions League place.Asked about Salahs remarks this morning, Slot said: I dont think it is that important what I feel about it.What it is important is that we qualify for the Champions League on Sunday, and I prepare Mo and the rest of the team to be ready for the game in the best possible way. That is what matters.I was very disappointed after our loss against Aston Villa, because a win would have given us qualification for the Champions League which we didnt do. Now there is one game to go and its a vital one for us as a club.He added, however: I think Mo was really happy with the style we played last season because that led to us winning the league. As I said, football has changed, football has evolved. But we both want what is best for Liverpool and that is for us to compete for trophies.Table of ContentsMo and I have the same interest Liverpool boss SlotLiverpool know what they have to do SlotMo and I have the same interest Liverpool boss SlotSlot refused to confirm if Salah will start against the Bees and also whether his words had had an effect on the squad, adding: I dont know if it had an impact on the group. What I have seen is 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.Liverpool know what they have to do SlotChampions League football is the minimum Liverpool fans would have expected at the start of the season and rumours persist over Slots future at Anfield. The immediate target is securing the point they need to remain among the European elite.He said: 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. Topics Liverpool F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Liverpool reveal plans for tributes to Robertson and Salah, much to Rooneys irritation Jon Fisher 18th May, 2026 Rooney says Salah is being selfish and should be denied Liverpool send-off: Id have him nowhere near the stadium Jon Fisher 18th May, 2026 One of the biggest clubs in the world Alonso joins Chelsea on four-year deal Tom Rostance 17th May, 2026 Which Premier League games are on TV during the last week of the 2025/26 season? May 2026 schedule, confirmed kick-off times, final day Ben Miller 16th May, 2026 Slot admits season has got away from us Mitch Fretton 15th May, 2026 Aston Villa 4-2 Liverpool: Report, result and goals as Villans confirm Champions League spot Mitch Fretton 15th May, 2026
