Mohamed Salah put on a masterclass as Liverpool cruised to a 2-0 victory over Bologna in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Egyptian winger was instrumental in the win, setting up Alexis Mac Allister’s opening goal with a precise cross and then adding a thunderous strike of his own for his 49th goal in the Champions League. This was Salah’s third goal in his last three games, after a brief three-game drought.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was quick to praise Salah’s performance, highlighting the consistency that is expected from a player of his caliber. “Before (last week’s League Cup win over West Ham United), Mo played three games without scoring a goal. So it is in football, it can happen that sometimes in three games, you score one or you don’t score,” Slot said. “But these players, like Mo, they will always score their goals if you just keep playing them.”
While Salah has been in top form, the focus remains on his future at Anfield. His contract expires at the end of this season, and he has indicated that this will be his last season with the club. Slot, however, was cautious about discussing Salah’s future, simply stating, “Mo has done really well today, and I’m happy with the way he does at the moment, and I’m not looking forward to next season.”
Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp as manager this summer, has made a strong start to his tenure, guiding Liverpool to eight wins in their first nine games across all competitions. This includes victories in both of their opening Champions League matches, putting them fifth in the 36-team table. Liverpool are also currently leading the Premier League.
Despite the impressive start, Slot played down his achievements. “I don’t draw many conclusions from that, but it’s nice. So many incredible managers have worked here, doing so many special things,” he said. “The only thing is I hope it is not the only thing people remember me for in two or three years or however long I am here. If all they say is, ‘that’s the manager who won eight out of nine!’ “I’m hoping to do more special things than just win eight out of my first nine games.”
Slot also expressed his gratitude to Klopp for the squad he inherited, acknowledging the strong foundation left behind. “It also says how I have been left this club — the work rate the players put in, how the staff are helping me get these results,” Slot said.
