Slot Explains Why Mohamed Salah Was Absent — Optimistic Update for Liverpool Fans

Press conference Arne Slot was asked about Liverpool 3-3 draw against Leeds United in Premier League round 15 at Elland Road.

“This is not our first game that we drop points, also conceding a goal in the last minute not for the first time of course or even conceded a goal from set pieces.

I mean, if I put you in the locker room at halftime every Saturday of an NFL game and saw the adjustment by players to another player’s play … " He laughed. Nine minutes of stoppage time, and then they score. It's not the first time. They point the finger only at us.”

He also said of Ibrahima Konaté's performance: "We can say he tried to cover the cross. If you want to call it an error, it’s an error derived from effort and trying.” There was definitely contact. The player had already started to fall. But in situations like this, we have to fault ourselves.”

And on Mohamed Salah not playing: “We were 2-0 up, then 3-2. There was a time, at those moments, it was more about controlling the game and we didn’t need to score at that moment. Normally when we need a goal like last week against Sunderland I bring Mo on. “But today we needed a few others — where another player like Wataru Endo was asked for, because you need to keep the lead.”

He added: “This is the biggest stage for Mohamed Salah and he has given everything. We have to take it in the face, what we’re living with. “Short-term, for Mo, it’s all fine — he will go to the Africa Cup of Nations but earlier than that we have Inter Milan.

He added on Liverpool's season: "Everything looks positive. Maybe two where we had less chances than our opponent. But that is not what matters. The most important thing is to score goals and not let any in.”