The match carries huge significance for Liverpool, who need at least a point to secure qualification for next season\u2019s UEFA Champions League, while it will also mark the end of Salah\u2019s glittering nine-year spell with the Reds.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The uncertainty surrounding Salah\u2019s involvement comes days after the forward posted comments on social media suggesting Liverpool needed to rediscover their footballing identity, remarks that were widely viewed as criticism of Slot\u2019s tactical approach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
When asked whether Salah would feature in the crucial encounter, Slot declined to reveal his plans. \u201cI never say anything about team selection,\u201d he said in the pre-match press conference.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The relationship between Slot and Salah has been closely watched throughout the season. Earlier in the campaign, the 33-year-old was left out of Liverpool\u2019s squad for the Champions League clash away to Inter Milan after publicly admitting tensions had developed between him and the manager.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking about Salah\u2019s latest comments, Slot insisted the club\u2019s immediate focus remains securing Champions League football. \u201cI don\u2019t think it is that important what I feel about it. What is important is that we qualify for the Champions League on Sunday and I prepare Mo and the whole team in the best possible way for the game,\u201d Slot said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Dutchman admitted Liverpool missed a major opportunity after their recent defeat to Aston Villa F.C., a result that delayed qualification confirmation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI was very disappointed after our loss against Villa because a win would have given us qualification for the Champions League, which we didn\u2019t get. Now there\u2019s one game to go, which is a vital one for us as a club,\" he said. \u201cWe both want what\u2019s best for the club, we both want the club to be successful, and that\u2019s the main aim,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Slot also acknowledged that Liverpool must continue evolving their style of play moving forward. \u201cI have to find a way to evolve this team now and definitely in the summer and in the upcoming season to be successful again, and to play a brand of football that I like. And if I like it, then the fans will like it as well because I haven\u2019t liked a lot of the way we played this season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBut we try to evolve the team in a way that we can compete but definitely also play the brand of football, the style of football the fans, I, and hopefully Mo if he\u2019s somewhere else at that moment in time will like as well.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Asked whether Salah\u2019s remarks had weakened his authority, Slot rejected the suggestion and defended the work done by the team over the last two seasons.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYou are making a lot of assumptions. First of all, you say that he wants to play that style and then say it is not my style,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think Mo was really happy with the style we played last year, as it led to us winning the league. Football has changed, football has evolved, but we both want what is best for Liverpool, and that is for us to compete for trophies, which we haven\u2019t done this season, and we did last season.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Slot also credited Salah and the squad for helping Liverpool reclaim the Premier League title last season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe and the team and I were included in that, which brought the league title back after five years, and we would like to challenge for that again next season and continue to evolve the team. That is my take on it.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Slot also credited Salah and the squad for helping Liverpool reclaim the Premier League title last season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Salah is Liverpool's all-time top goal scorer in the Premier League and has helped them to win two Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup, among other trophies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n