Salah: “I didn’t expect us to win so quickly”
Mohamed Salah has admitted that even he didn’t foresee how quickly Arne Slot would lead Liverpool to success following Jürgen Klopp’s departure.
In an interview with France Football, Salah expressed surprise at how the Dutch manager immediately restored Liverpool’s competitive edge and harmony, culminating in a Premier League title in his debut season.
“I didn’t expect us to win so quickly. Who could have predicted that the transition would be successful so quickly? No one, I think,” Salah said.
He also revealed that Slot approached him during preseason with a clear demand: set the standard.
“Arne came to see me and asked me to be an example for the other players. I told him not to worry because I’m always at my best — not to set an example, but because that’s who I am.”
New culture, new voice: how Slot differs from Klopp
Salah, who has scored 28 goals this season, also discussed how Slot’s leadership differs from Klopp’s.
“Arne is very direct. He re-established the competitive level, whereas with Jürgen, we were perhaps a little too much in our comfort zone towards the end.”
Salah credited Slot’s openness and ability to listen as central to his improved form.
“Arne and his staff are more open to discussion, to sharing feelings. I think that was important in my performances. And, above all, it led us to success.”
A title in year one
Slot arrived from Feyenoord last summer and immediately faced the pressure of replacing a club legend. He responded by guiding Liverpool to their 20th league title, secured with a dominant 5-1 victory over Tottenham at Anfield in April.
Slot’s system brought structure, emotional clarity, and competitive balance, with Salah emerging again as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards.
Next up: Arsenal
Liverpool will host Arsenal on Sunday as they continue to build on a historic domestic campaign under Slot.
With Salah still in elite form and the squad responding to a new managerial voice, the focus now turns to maintaining momentum—and potentially adding more silverware.
