Arne Slot’s stock rises as insiders rethink him after Mohamed Salah touchline clash
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from HITC or go back to LFC Live.
Arne Slot kept his cards close to his chest regarding Mohamed Salah ahead of Liverpool’s meeting with Brighton on Saturday.Fans were hoping for an update on whether the forward would return after missing the midweek Champions League fixture, but there was not much clarity from Slot during his pre-match press conference.Slot was fairly guarded with his answers, and fans will have to wait until team news drops to know if Salah is ready to return.This approach is not new for the Dutchman. He has stayed consistent ever since Salah’s poorly received comments following the draw against Leeds earlier in the season.Standing firm in that situation appears to have earned him some respect across football, especially after how he managed things publicly.Arne Slot’s influence growing stronger within LiverpoolPhoto by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesIf Salah thought he could unseat Slot with one move, he was proven wrong.The Dutchman has not launched a direct confrontation, but he has made it clear that Salah’s actions will not be overlooked or repeated without consequence.Fabrizio Romano has noted that Slot’s response has been well received, and people within the game now view him as having more authority at Anfield.The Italian journalist said on Here We Go Podcast: “I think Arne Slot looks more powerful to the eyes of the supporters and to the eyes of everyone who is in the industry in terms of the power he has at Liverpool, because Arne Slot is together with the club.“It was not Arne Slot alone, it was the management, Arne Slot, the coaching staff altogether deciding not to call Mo Salah for the Inter game and Liverpool won.“Liverpool believe Arne Slot is the man to go through this situation and turn the situation around.
They keep repeating this, they trust the manager, they believe in the manager and even after this Salah story I think he is getting more and more power, also in the eyes of people who are external to this situation.”Can Slot withstand more pressure with another defeat?Even though Slot has come through the Salah situation looking stronger, it will not count for much if Liverpool slip up against Brighton this weekend.The Reds cannot afford to drop any more points in their race for the top four. Saturday is shaping up to be a critical moment, especially if Salah is not named in the starting line-up again.If Slot decides to leave the Egyptian winger out and Liverpool still manage a win, it will only reinforce his position.
But another loss would bring back the same old doubts and questions about his future.While another defeat likely would not cost him his job right away, it would definitely increase the pressure from supporters who are already growing uneasy.Saturday could prove to be a major turning point. The Dutchman has handled recent challenges well so far, but one misstep now could undo a lot of that good work.READ MORE: Jamie Carragher admits his recent Arne Slot comment was a ‘mistake’ Join Our NewsletterReceive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox