Slot says Salah ‘more in than out’

Two European giants meet on Wednesday when Liverpool host Real Madrid but Arne Slot’s press conference was dominated by questions about Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian has yet to agree to a new contract at Anfield and spoke to the media after the 3-2 win against Southampton over the weekend, admitting he has yet to even have discussions about extending his stay.

Salah, alongside Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, could all potentially leave for free in the summer, and Slot has been bombarded with questions about the trio, in particular the man who scored a brace at St Mary’s on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the Champions League clash with Madrid, Slot said: “We don’t share this over here, at least I don’t. The only thing I can say is, if I look at my line-ups, Mo is more in than out.

“I don’t think he’s distracted at all. I haven’t seen that after the United game where he had some comments, I haven’t seen it after a post you told me about, he just kept on scoring.

“I haven’t seen anything today, he is just fully focused on the game tomorrow.

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“If you would have been at the Axa today, I don’t think any player spoke about it, at least not when I was there.

“Players are focused on the short-term and that is Madrid and that is City.

“By the time Mo’s contract is extended, players don’t look at it that way. There is no distraction for him, the players and definitely not for me.”

Turning his attention to Madrid, who have been far from their best this season, Slot said they can always find a way to win when it matters.

A result is crucial for Los Blancos as they languish in 18th, while Liverpool top the standings.

Slot added: “It is a very difficult thing not only for Liverpool but every club that has played them in Europe because they can win in so many different styles and so many different ways.

That’s why they have won the competition so many times because they can win and be really dominant but if it’s a difficult game they always find a way to win or go to the next round and that’s what makes them special.”

Despite Slot’s comments, Liverpool will be looking to make it five wins from five and extend their unbeaten run in Europe’s top competition.