I Asked Slot to Take Me Off Defensive Duties in Return for Goals

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has revealed that his remarkable campaign was down to a tactical shift under Arne Slot, who allowed him to focus almost exclusively on attacking duties in return for goals and assists.

The Egyptian, 33, has been instrumental in Liverpool’s march to their record-equalling 20th top-flight title, contributing 28 goals and 18 assists.

Speaking after the Reds’ emphatic 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur that secured the title at a raucous Anfield, Salah said he asked gaffer Slot to take him off defensive duties in return for offensive focus.

"You can see the numbers. Now I don't have to defend much. The tactics are quite different. I said 'as long as you rest me defensively I will provide offensively', so I am glad that I did. He listened a lot and you can see the numbers," Salah explained.

"When you play in the Premier League you have to defend but I said that I can gamble and somehow I can make a difference. My number of assists shows that, you can create chances as well."

Salah also spoke of the joy of winning the title in front of the fans at Anfield.

"It is incredible to win this with our fans. This is 100% better than last time, especially with the fans," he told Sky Sports.

"We have a different group now so to show we can do it again is something special."

Salah, who memorably led Liverpool’s title celebrations at Anfield, revealed that he had hoped to win the title in front of the home crowd rather than relying on results elsewhere, citing the Crystal Palace game against Arsenal midweek.

"Watching the Arsenal-Crystal Palace game I didn't want to win it then. I wanted an experience we haven't had before."

Speaking separately to BBC Sport, Salah added: "It’s special to win it at Anfield – it’s very difficult to describe. Everyone wanted Palace to finish it [at Arsenal], but I know what Anfield is like, so I’m glad we did it here.

"It’s completely different [to the title in 2020]. The feeling is unbelievable. The first time was lockdown and the pandemic, but to be here five years later is incredible."

The forward downplayed his individual contribution, saying, "It doesn’t matter [that I scored]. To win it at Anfield is incredible."

Reflecting on his unique celebration, he said: "At the beginning of the season I always took selfies with the players. I had to think of something special. I thought a bit about the idea and it was fine."

Salah also praised Slot’s impact, describing the Dutchman’s honesty and directness as key to Liverpool's success.

"He is very honest. The Dutch are quite tough but he made our lives easier. I am glad that we have won it here [at Anfield]," Salah said.

Looking ahead, Salah warned that defending the title will present even tougher challenges for Slot and the team.

“People think it’s going to get easier, but now it’s going to be difficult because other teams will catch us and it’s going to be harder for him. Even in my time here, the second season was way harder.”

Having recently signed a new contract at Anfield, Salah expressed confidence about the future.

"I’m really pleased. I believe next season and the year after will be great, for sure."

Speaking after the Reds’ emphatic 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur that secured the title at a raucous Anfield, Salah said he asked gaffer Slot to take him off defensive duties in return for offensive focus.