Liverpool's Arne Slot on Spot with Reds, Defending Salah and Isak
Liverpool manager Arne Slot defends Mohamed Salah and comments on the team's tactical approach, emphasizing the need for individual brilliance to break down low-block defenses.
“Players miss chances, and he is a human being. We are not used to him missing chances...”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Alexander Isak's groin injury is not too serious, but the striker's availability for Saturday's match against Brentford is uncertain. Isak was substituted at halftime during Liverpool's 5-1 Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday due to the injury.
Alexander Isak's potential absence would be a blow to Liverpool's attacking options, with Hugo Ekitike likely to start in his place if he's ruled out. Meanwhile, midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is also a doubt for the match after missing the Frankfurt game with an ankle issue. Slot mentioned that Gravenberch didn't travel with the squad to Germany and will be assessed before the match to determine his availability.
Liverpool Manager Defends Mohamed Salah
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has come to the defense of forward Mohamed Salah, who has faced criticism for his recent drop in form. Slot said, “Players miss chances, and he is a human being. We are not used to him missing chances.”
Salah has scored three goals in 12 games this season across all competitions, leading to concerns among fans. However, Slot believes that Salah's talent and past performances should outweigh his current struggles.
“The main thing is that he has always scored goals for Liverpool. The last thing I worry about is Mo scoring goals again. He's done that his entire life, and I expect him to do that again in the coming weeks and months.
“Quite a few changes in the squad mean everyone needs to find new connections.”
Arne Slot isn’t concerned by Mohamed Salah’s quiet start to the season 🙅 pic.twitter.com/ORDfc1sy2y
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 24, 2025
Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged that his team needs to adapt to a changing tactical landscape, as opponents have adjusted their approach against the Reds. Liverpool currently sit third in the table after losses to Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and Manchester United, and Slot emphasized the need for his side to evolve and respond to these new strategies.
“we need moments of magic” - Arne Slot
“I try to tell (the players) that the main, main, main, main difference between this season and last season is the playing styles we face,” Slot told reporters on Friday.
“We had to defend 178 long balls in (the first) seven games, and then the United game, we had to defend 59 long balls. That's different from the first half of last season.”
Arne Slot believes moments of individual brilliance or well-executed set pieces hold the key to unlocking low-block defenses and breaking down direct teams.
“The way to unlock it is a moment of magic, which we had in the first half of (last) season, a lot with Mo (Salah), or a set piece, which we had at Frankfurt as well,” he said. “Two set pieces (goals from corners) unlocked the game for us.”
Arne Slot stood by his comments about Manchester United's tactics, insisting they were intended as a compliment.
“When I tried to explain this in the media, it was actually more of a compliment for the other manager (Ruben Amorim), that he found the right answer to our playing style,” Slot said. “But I think if I'm correct, that wasn't how people looked at it.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed that Jeremie Frimpong will be sidelined for at least a couple of games after reaggravating a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains out, adding to Liverpool's injury woes.
Arne Slot has provided news on the injury status of Jeremie Frimpong, Alexander Isak, Ryan Gravenberch and Alisson Becker.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 24, 2025
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