Fri Sep 13 09:55:56 UTC 2024: ## Liverpool Manager Plays Down Contract Concerns, Focuses on Team
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has dismissed suggestions that the contract situations of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah are a distraction for the team. All three players are in the final year of their contracts.
“It’s again the boring answer you are going to get from me as long as there is no news,” Slot said. “We don’t talk about contract situations here. I’m fully focused on the individuals and the team. They are part of the team and I’m trying to work with them in the best possible way to get the best out of them. It’s not a distraction for me at all.”
The Reds have won their opening three Premier League matches under Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp in the summer. However, they will be without Harvey Elliott for their upcoming match against Nottingham Forest after the attacking midfielder fractured his foot while on international duty. Slot expressed disappointment about the injury, saying it was “a blow for both of us.”
Slot also addressed the situation surrounding goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who recently stated he wants to leave Liverpool to be a first-choice keeper. Slot acknowledged Kelleher’s desire but emphasized that the club has a strong squad with many capable players. He noted that Alisson is the current first-choice keeper and Kelleher had significant playing time last season. “It’s normal for a player to want to play, but it’s also normal that a club like this, trying to compete for trophies, has more than 11 players who can play,” Slot said.
Despite these contract and injury concerns, Liverpool will be looking to continue their strong start to the season with a win against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
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