Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool farewell set to inspire season run-in, says Arne Slot

Arne Slot believes Mohamed Salah’s impending departure can serve as motivation for Liverpool as the club pushes to finish the season strongly, while describing the Egyptian forward as a “legend” at Anfield.

Salah revealed last week that he will leave the club at the end of the campaign, bringing to a close a remarkable nine-year spell that has yielded 255 goals and countless standout performances for the Reds.

The 33-year-old’s relationship with Slot briefly came under scrutiny in December after a public disagreement following his omission from the starting lineup for three consecutive matches, during which he claimed there was “no relationship” between them.

However, the forward has since re-established himself as a key figure since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations in January, featuring regularly despite Liverpool’s challenging season.

Slot’s side currently sit fifth in the Premier League, fighting to secure a Champions League place for next season. Despite the inconsistency, the Dutchman remains optimistic about ending the campaign on a high, with the FA Cup and Champions League still within reach.

Liverpool face a demanding run, beginning with a trip to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals, before taking on defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in the last eight of Europe’s elite competition.

“Hopefully he can make his legacy even more special in the upcoming weeks and months where we still play for something special, but he will always leave this club as a legend,” Slot told Liverpool’s website.

“To show that hunger every three days, that professionalism, that commitment to the club, to the team, wanting to score again, always wanting to play… that is what stands out for me,” he added.