Liverpool manager Arne Slot maintains his composure amid contract uncertainties involving Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, focusing on their high performance levels and the upcoming Premier League match against Brighton.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot remains unconcerned by the current contract uncertainty involving key players Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. With all three stars' contracts expiring at the season's end, there are worries about potential departures that could create significant gaps in the team.
Captain Van Dijk, 33, has admitted that he is in talks with the club but is unsure about his playing destination for next year. There is also speculation regarding both Alexander-Arnold, 26, and Salah, 32, contemplating possible moves away from Anfield. Starting in January, the players will be eligible to start pre-contract negotiations with foreign clubs. However, Slot maintains that he is not concerned as long as they keep performing at a high level.
"The contract situation could become an issue if the players don't maintain their current level of performance," Slot explained. "At the moment, all three are in a good position and playing exceptionally well. There are ongoing talks, as Virgil mentioned, but that's not my focus; I discuss different topics with him."
Wednesday's win represented Slot's 12th victory in 14 games since his summer arrival, and with four competitions ahead, the manager saw the cup match as a valuable chance to rotate players while still achieving a positive outcome.
'I learn every day, especially since I am still getting to know the team,' he explained. 'From the Chelsea game, I learned about their ability to defend a lead, and from watching our performance against Arsenal, I saw the importance of depth in our squad. Players who haven’t played much can still have a significant impact, and we will need that throughout the season.'
As Liverpool prepares for another crucial match, Slot's focus remains firmly on maximizing the potential of his current squad, regardless of the uncertainties surrounding their futures.