Arne Slot reacts to Mohamed Salah’s decision to leave Liverpool

Liverpool head into a crucial stage of the campaign with clarity around one of the biggest talking points of the season. Mohamed Salah has confirmed he will leave Anfield at the end of the current campaign, and Arne Slot has addressed both his fitness and the wider impact of that decision.

With Liverpool still competing on multiple fronts, the focus now shifts to how the club’s talisman can influence the final months of the season.

Salah fitness boost ahead of Man City clash

Speaking from the AXA Training Centre, Arne Slot delivered a timely update ahead of a high stakes FA Cup tie against Manchester City.

He said: “Yes, he is [fit]. He trained with us yesterday, he will train with us today and is available for the game tomorrow.”

For Liverpool, that availability matters. The fixture list remains demanding, with European commitments against Paris Saint Germain looming shortly after. In this context, having Mohamed Salah ready to contribute is not simply helpful, it is essential.

Slot’s measured tone reflects a manager who understands the rhythm of a long season. Fitness updates are rarely just about one match, they are about maintaining momentum across competitions.

Arne Slot highlights Salah legacy at Liverpool

Beyond the immediate concern of selection, Arne Slot also addressed the reaction to Salah’s departure news. The response from teammates, supporters and the wider football world has been emphatic.

Slot said: “I think what has happened after he announced it is what he completely deserves.

“His teammates, anyone everywhere around the world that was asked about his legacy said the words that needed to be said.”

There is a sense of inevitability in that recognition. Mohamed Salah’s numbers, goals and assists tell part of the story, but consistency remains the defining trait. Over nearly a decade, he has set standards that few can match.

For Liverpool, this is not simply about replacing output, it is about acknowledging a player who has shaped an era.

Push for trophies in Salah farewell season

Arne Slot made no attempt to downplay what is at stake in the closing weeks of the campaign. Liverpool remain in contention, and the manager has a clear ambition.

He said: “I can only hope that he can add two extra trophies to it towards the end of the season.”

That statement carries weight. Liverpool, under Slot, have already experienced success following the Premier League title in the 2024/25 season. Adding further silverware would reinforce the sense of progression under the Dutchman.

It also reframes Mohamed Salah’s departure. Rather than a gradual fade, there is the possibility of a decisive contribution at the sharp end of the season.

Consistency remains Salah’s defining trait

Questions around motivation are often raised when a player announces an exit, but Arne Slot was quick to dismiss any doubts in this case.

He explained: “For Mo, I think it doesn’t matter if he’s going to leave the club or if he’s going to stay… Mo has always given everything he’s got for this club.”

That observation aligns with everything Liverpool supporters have witnessed over the years. Mohamed Salah’s professionalism and output have rarely fluctuated, regardless of circumstance.

Slot reinforced that point with a final remark that underlines the importance of the forward’s form.

He said: “If we have a Mo in the form he’s had for so many years, that will be a big help for us towards the end of the season.”

For Liverpool, the equation is straightforward. If Mohamed Salah delivers at his usual level, Arne Slot’s side will believe they can finish the season strongly. The final chapter is still being written, and it could yet end with silverware.