Slot Protects Salah as Isak Heats Up: Liverpool’s Derby Countdown

Liverpool's Slot defends Salah ahead of United clash

The Dutch coach Arne Slot defended Mohamed Salah after criticism of his defensive duties during Liverpool's latest defeat to Chelsea.

Slot held a Friday press conference two days before Liverpool's highly anticipated match with Manchester United on Sunday evening in the eighth round of the Premier League.

He was asked about Salah's performance against Chelsea, especially after comments from Chelsea winger Marc Cucurella suggesting that Salah did not return to defensive duties.

Slot replied that he could show five or six clips where Salah could have made a difference for the team, and that if those moments had happened we would be talking about last season when Salah frequently influenced results.

He added that balance between wingers and full backs is key, and he wants the full backs to attack as well, so they must find the right balance.

He also spoke about Salah's reaction after a tough start for the team, saying that if Liverpool loses three in a row, the next opponent does not matter; players must respond collectively.

The big challenge for United and fitness notes

Regarding the importance of the United game, Slot said he looks forward to every Premier League match, but this one is seen as especially meaningful because it is a special fixture.

He noted that it is widely watched around the world and that United started the season better than their league position might suggest, so Liverpool must be at their best.

On fitness, Slot confirmed Ryan Gravenberch is fully fit, Ibrahima Konate has returned to training, while Alisson Becker is not training due to injury and will miss this week and next; the final phase of rehabilitation can swing between positive and negative.

Comparing this season to last, Slot said Liverpool do not create as many chances early on, but remain a team that generates the most expected chances and shots; yet they concede too many goals.

On goals conceded, he explained that four of nine were from set pieces, and the number of chances created does not reflect those goals; open play counters and crosses are areas to improve, and longer balls pose problems.

When discussing Isak, Slot said he has completed five to six weeks of physical prep and is close to the required level; he has played several matches and his form will be assessed in coming weeks.

The discussion then moved to smaller margins: the three recent losses were by tiny margins, with two late goals for opponents and a penalty on one side that VAR reversed the wrong calls only in Liverpool's favor; results nevertheless demand better performance.

Slot praised his players' mindset, noting that top players do not alter their approach after wins or losses and continue to train with the same intensity; the external focus on results is acknowledged, but improvement remains the daily goal to widen the gap with rivals.

On rotation and cohesion, Slot argued that Isak and Mac Allister require more minutes; you cannot shift from zero to three games a week, a challenge faced by teams worldwide with more than 11 players available to manage it.

Finally, Slot stressed that Isak and Hugo Ekitike are not identical forwards, but both wear the number nine and know how to play within the system.

Punchline 1: In football plans change faster than a referee's mind, and the ball has the last laugh.

Punchline 2: If you cannot score, blame the calendar; the matchday is always the busiest page in the diary of football fans.