Arne Slot's verdict on Mohamed Salah is just what Liverpool fans want to hear

In an ideal world, Liverpool would’ve tackled the monumental task of replacing Jürgen Klopp in a far quieter summer. Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans, though.

New head coach Arne Slot has begun his pre-season preparations for 2024/25. However, he has had to do so without many of the Reds’ top stars. The club sent 10 players to Euro 2024 and another four to the Copa America . The finals of both competitions take place today, with Liverpool having two representatives at each showpiece occasion .

But despite many key men having not yet returned to the AXA Training Centre to begin building up to the new club campaign, Slot has met some of his new squad. Top among them is Mohamed Salah , and the Dutchman has liked what he has seen from the forward .

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Slot was talking to the club’s official website about the first week of pre-season. He was asked about having Salah and Wataru Endo back and how he would integrate them into the training program.

“Mo came back strong, he was really fit,” Slot said. “That’s what I think he always has been but it’s the same this year.”

This is a big season for Salah, as it is the final one of his current Liverpool deal as things stand. It sounds like he is focused on the campaign ahead, which can only be good news for his new head coach as it suggests he has no intention of leaving this summer.

“What you want from them, like I said, is to set the example for the youngsters as well,” Slot continued. “For them, it’s very important – just like the other ones from the first team – that they stay fit. They are full of energy and that’s the most important thing at the moment; keep them fit, build it up from there and try to teach them as much as we can.”

It will be fascinating to see what wisdom Slot imparts to Salah, particularly if he implements a change in formation. The Egyptian is entering the latter stage of his career and did not finish 2023/24 in the best form, scoring just one non-penalty goal in the final 11 games of the season.

Slot may be able to take advantage from a little bit of history repeating though. The last summer to feature a European Championship and Copa America was 2021. While many top stars were slogging their way through those competitions, Salah was resting. He started 2021/22 on fire, with his best run of form since his debut Liverpool campaign. If he is “strong” and “really fit” as Slot says, and pictures of him training appear to confirm that, the rest of the Premier League had better watch out.

Liverpool.com says: A focussed Salah is a dangerous Salah. Slot appears impressed with the Egyptian and who wouldn't be? We're counting down the days until the first pre-season friendly against Real Betis on July 27.