Slot’s Lucky Break? Liverpool Chief Hides Salah’s Future After Sunderland Draw

Post-match reflections from Arne Slot

Arne Slot, Liverpool's manager, said his side were not lucky after the 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Wednesday night, in the 14th round of the Premier League.

He told Sky Sports after the match at Anfield: we didn't give the opposition many chances, and we didn't create much either, but unfortunately we conceded a goal from a deflection that could have gone in any direction. In the period we are living in, such balls will end up in the net.

Regarding Federico Kieza's save that kept Liverpool from a certain goal, the Dutch coach added: Kieza kept running, so he managed to clear the ball before it crossed the line. We could have scored more, while the opponent took advantage of the chances available to them.

There are definite reasons we did not beat Sunderland, and reasons why other teams have struggled against them.

He continued: Florian Viertz's goal being counted as an own goal is also a bit of bad luck. The teams did not create many chances, but we were not lucky with the timing of conceding the goal, and yet we came back stronger.

As for Salah's future, Slot concluded: It's not about Mohamed or any other player. I haven't thought about our approach against Leeds next round yet, I have a starting XI idea, but I won't reveal it now.

Slot had surprised many by benching Mohamed Salah in the last two matches against West Ham United and Sunderland, claiming it would help maintain team harmony.

Punchline 1: Slot’s plan is so patient that even the clock looked at him and yawned. Punchline 2: If luck is a defender, Liverpool’s luck is still in the injury list—watch this space for the next cliffhanger edition of the Salah saga.