Arne Slot welcomes Mohamed Salah back into the Liverpool squad after the Africa Cup of Nations and expects a sharper attack for the Champions League trip
to Marseille. Liverpool remain unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions, yet four straight league draws have slowed momentum in the Premier League.
Salah left for AFCON following a high-profile interview that cast doubt on his Liverpool future, adding tension to the departure. In the last match before leaving, a 2-0 Premier League win over Brighton, Salah provided an assist. Salah ended the 2024-25 league season with 47 goal involvements, but has only five goals in all competitions this term.
Slot views Salah’s return as central to restoring Liverpool’s cutting edge in front of goal, especially after the wasteful draw against Burnley, when Liverpool produced 32 shots. Slot also highlighted Salah’s scoring history at the club and stressed that performances are measured by end results, not only by creativity or volume of chances.
I am really happy and pleased he is back, Slot said of Salah. We have started to create more and more, and that is helpful if you have Mo Salah. There is only one player who scored more for this club, and I don't think I can play Ian Rush still. The amount of chances againstBurnley with Mo, we would have scored more. Creating chances is nice, but we are only judged on the result.
| Player | Season | Competition | Goals | Assists | Total Goal Involvements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohamed Salah | 2024-25 | Premier League | 29 | 18 | 47 |
| Mohamed Salah | Current season | All competitions | 5 | - | - |
Liverpool have a strong recent record against Marseille in the Champions League, winning the last three meetings, including the most recent clash in the 2008-09 group stage. However, the Reds sit just outside the automatic qualification places, and Roberto De Zerbi's side can move above them with a win, which could shape Liverpool's play-off route.
Slot expects Marseille, led by De Zerbi, to offer a demanding tactical test and pointed to the quality of coaching on the opposite bench. Slot emphasised style of play and club stature when discussing De Zerbi’s status, underlining respect for the Italian’s work at a major European team.
I regard him as one of the best managers in the world, Slot said of the Italian. That should not always be judged on trophies, but also how your team plays. He is working at a very big club. I am not the one hiring him, but if I was one, he would be very high on my list.
Liverpool now head to Marseille with Salah available again, an unbeaten run to protect, and pressure building in both domestic and European campaigns. Slot’s comments show trust in Salah’s scoring record and in De Zerbi’s coaching quality, setting the stage for a significant Champions League contest for Liverpool’s season aims.
