Arne Slot’s message to Liverpool was heard loud and clear in training amid rumours of Mohamed Salah’s future at the club.
As the new manager of Liverpool, Slot has had to make his mark on the squad in pre-season as he looks to fill Jurgen Klopp‘s shoes.
And to do so, he has one clear message consisting of four words journalists heard during an open training session in the US: “Kill them with passes.”
It is indicative of his style of play, one that saw Feyenoord win the Eredivisie in 2023, even if it is contrast to the high-energy, counter-attacking play made famous under Klopp.
It is also a system that could limit the impact of a number of key players at the club, most notably Salah, whose future at the club appears uncertain.
Since joining Liverpool, Salah has scored 211 goals in 349 appearances, establishing him as a true Reds’ legend.
The Egypt international has one year left on his contract and has long been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Speaking live on talkSPORT, former Chelsea star Andy Townsend spoke about Salah’s situation at the club and how the change in tactics could affect him.
“I actually thought by now that Salah might have moved on,” he said.
“His numbers have been pretty astonishing, really.
“It is very rare that people come into the Premier League and produce the sort of quality, the form and the big goals when they needed them.
“But nobody can do that forever and, again, perhaps with a more considered approach, is that going to suit Mo?
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“Or did it suit Mo when Liverpool were at their foot to the floor best, [Virgil] Van Dijk was picking him out over 60 yards and dropping it over a high defensive line and Mo running in on it and getting his goals.
“It will be fascinating to see.”
It remains to be seen how different Liverpool will look next season under their manager, considering his four-word message which would indicate a different approach to Klopp’s ‘heavy metal football’.
Under the German, the Reds would press the opposition high up the pitch and hold a high line to almost strangle their opponents in their own half.
However, if Slot wants to make Liverpool ‘kill them with passes’ as he put it, there could be widespread changes afoot.
Salah’s situation remains unclear and there is a very real scenario that sees the 32-year-old depart for nothing at the end of next season when his contract expires.
As well as the forward, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk’s contracts also expire in June 2025.
