Mohamed Salah: Arne Slot responds to ‘heavy metal’ online post ahead of Liverpool legend's farewell at Anfield - ‘I never say anything’

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says Mohamed Salah and him both want the best for the club, after the departing Egyptian star's comments about the team's current style.

Superstar Salah, who is leaving Liverpool after nine memorable years, said last week that the team must return to being a "heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear" after their defeat to Aston Villa.

Slot was asked whether those comments had impacted the Liverpool players ahead of their final game of the season at home to Brentford on Sunday.

"I don't know if it had an impact on the group," Slot told reporters in his press conference.

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"What I have seen is the team have trained really well this week, and we hope to continue really well in the upcoming two days, so we are really prepared.

"I think Mo and I have the same interest - we want the best for this club. We want the club to be as successful as possible.

"We were both part of giving the fans their first league title in five years. But we are also aware of this season.

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"What we want, what he wants and what I want is for the club to be as successful as last season.

"That is where my main focus is at now because the game on Sunday could give us a really base heading into next season. That is where we should focus."

Asked for his own feelings on the comments, Slot played it down and insisted the focus was only on the Brentford game.

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"I don't think it is that important what I feel about it," Slot said. "What is important is that we qualify for the Champions League on Sunday, and I prepare Mo and the rest of the team to be ready for the game in the best possible way. That is what matters.

"I was very disappointed after our loss against Aston Villa, because a win would have given us qualification for the Champions League - which we didn't do. Now there is one game to go and it's a vital one for us as a club."

Asked directly whether Salah would be involved on Sunday, Slot added: "I never say anything about team selection. It would be a surprise to you if I did it right now, I think."

Liverpool need to avoid defeat to make sure of their place in the UEFA Champions League, 12 months on from comfortably winning the club's 20th league title.

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Arsenal have taken their place as champions, a triumph sealed this week when The Gunners beat Burnley and nearest challengers Manchester City drew at Bournemouth the following night.

Slot was full of praise for Mikel Arteta's team, saying: "I congratulate Arsenal on winning the league. Mikel and his staff did a tremendous job.

"But they have been a different champion than last time. It's the first time in 30 years 40% of goals come from set pieces.

"Luis Enrique said they are the best off the ball in our league, which I agree, I also think Europe. So football has evolved so we have to compete with Arsenal and City again with our brand of football.

"We have to know and understand football has changed. Villa scored two goals via set pieces [in the Europa League final]. We take that into account, we have to play a style the fans like but also we want to compete."

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