‘More in than out’ – Slot insists Liverpool star Salah not distracted by contract row

Liverpool boss Arne Slot does not believe Mohamed Salah has been distracted by the lack of a contract offer, after the Egyptian declared he was likely to leave the club.

After scoring twice to send Liverpool to a 3-2 Premier League win over Southampton on Sunday, Salah made headlines with comments about his future in the mixed zone.

Salah, who is out of contract at the end of the season, said he was “more out than in” after Liverpool failed to offer him new terms.

Salah's comments come at an important time for Liverpool, who face Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday and face Manchester City in the league on Sunday. A win in that final match would put them eleven points ahead of Pep Guardiola's stuttering champions.

However, during Tuesday's pre-match press conference, Slot emphasized that Salah retains the same laser focus as ever.

“All I can say is: when I look at my lineups, Mo is more in than out. I can give you that quote,” Slot said.

“He's not distracted at all. I didn't see it after the game against Manchester United when he was commentating. I didn't see anything today, he's completely focused on tomorrow's game.”

“If you had been on the training ground today, at least no one would have talked about it when I was there. Players are also focused on the short term. That's Real Madrid and City.”

“I don't think there is any distraction for him, the players and certainly not for me.”

Salah has scored twelve goals and provided ten assists in eighteen games in all competitions this season. Those are both team-high figures, while he also leads all his Liverpool teammates in chances created (32), shots taken (55) and shots on target (32).

Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher responded to Salah's comments about his contract by describing the winger as 'selfish' on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, but Slot preferred to focus on Salah's skills rather than get drawn into that debate.

“I'm concentrating a little more on what else Jamie said,” Slot said when asked about Carragher's comments.

“He said Mo is one of the five best players we have ever had at this club. I agree with him. I don't think it distracts Mo. My main focus is on the next game. After that we have another big match ahead.”

“I've spoken to Mo about what I expect from him, as I do with all the other players. I'm not distracted by his comments at all and I don't get the feeling his teammates are either.”