Liverpool head coach Arne Slot discussed Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Federico Chiesa, Cody Gakpo and more ahead of the Premier League clash against Brighton
James Quinlan
11:13, 12 Dec 2025Updated 11:18, 12 Dec 2025
Arne Slot
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Arne Slot has spoken about Mohamed Salah ahead of Liverpool's next Premier League match against Brighton(Image: Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Every topic discussed by Liverpool head coach Arne Slot in his pre-match press conference ahead of Brighton match...
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Mohamed Salah's future: Slot confirmed he is to hold face-to-face talks with Salah on Friday morning, the outcome of which will determine his inclusion in the Brighton match. Insistent on keeping the matter within the club, Slot only had to add: "I see no reason why I don't want him to stay."
Improvements: Praise was issued for the Liverpool players who have fought to build an unbeaten run of four matches in all competitions. For Slot, his side have looked "difficult to beat" and are looking forward to their next challenge.
Alisson Becker: Slot says Giorgi Mamardashvili did a "great job" during Alisson's month-long injury absence, but it is "nice to have the Brazilian back in net.
Federico Chiesa's return: After missing the midweek Champions League win at Inter Milan due to illness, Chiesa is to take part in training on Friday. Slot is working under the assumption the attacker is "ready" for Brighton.
Cody Gakpo and Wataru Endo timelines: The injuries of both Gakpo and Endo are expected to keep them out for "weeks" according to Slot. The former has been hit with a muscle issue whilst the latter has suffered an ankle problem.
Home form: Slot feels his side have not just struggled in matches at Anfield this season, but also away, as teams play more direct against Liverpool. He said: "There is the league and then there is Liverpool for how teams play. That is one thing and we've seen certain gameplans against us more and more as well. We have to adapt."
Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike strike partnership: Slot refused to confirm whether Isak and Ekitike would start up front together as they did against Inter, mainly because the former picked up a knock and requires assessment. He feels it is a partnership that will grow over time, adding: "What we all saw, which is normal, the more they play, the more they will adapt and the better they will cooperate."
Going direct: Slot doesn't feel a long-ball playing style is the solution for Liverpool, as he can "better use" Isak and Ekitike with passes in behind opposition defenders.
Blessing in disguise: Slot admitted he is "almost happy" his injury-ravaged squad were knocked out of the Carabao Cup, and therefore do not have a quarter final tie in upcoming midweek. Crystal Palace, who eliminated them, face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.