Arne Slot joked that he was happy to talk about Mo Salah's defensive work rather than his contract negotiations after the Egyptian scored – and pulled back – his 23rd goal of the season to help Liverpool keep pace with six points with a 4 -1 win against Ipswich on Saturday.
Salah converted Liverpool's second with a thumping finish into the roof of the net, but also helped win the ball back in the build-up for Cody Gakpo's final goal of the afternoon.
“It's nice to be asked about it, because especially about MO, the questions are about his contract or his goals, but now it's his defensive work rate,” Slot smiled.
“I think that stood out today because we could all see the moment. If you look at almost all the times we have lost the ball, I saw a reaction from many players and that is what you need against a team with Fast Wingers, with a good No. 9 going to a low block.
'It's so hard to control a counter-attack and the only way to do it is what MO did. That's why I was satisfied with the performance today. '
Salah is out of contract at the end of the season and so far negotiations are at an impasse with the player repeatedly saying he believes it is his last season at Anfield.
Slot also praised another away-contract star, captain Virgil van Dijk, on his 300th appearance for the club.
“If I have to make a list of what Virgil brings, I'll be here until Tuesday evening,” Slot said.
“He has calm and is definitely a leader.
'I haven't managed many players with his leadership qualities, not only on the pitch but also on the training pitch.
'He leads by example and is the loudest on the training field. It's fantastic. '
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna fears winger Wes Burns could be out for a significant period of time after being taken off with a knee injury.
Burns was on crutches after the match and McKenna said: 'He's not well. It's very swollen.
'It was something with his knee. It wasn't an impact injury'
On a positive note, Jaden Philogene showed nice touches on his first start after a £20m move from Aston Villa and Julio Enciso came off the bench for his debut on loan from Brighton – getting an immediate yellow for kicking Wataru endo but then setting up a Comfort goal for Jacob Greaves.
“I think we will be stronger in attacking positions in the second part of the season,” said McKenna, whose side are in the relegation zone.
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