Now that Jurgen Klopp has ‘PROGRAMMED’ Mo Salah, Arne Slot is attempting to CHANGE him

Arne Slot, the new head coach of Liverpool, has been “on top” of star striker Mohamed Salah and the adjustments the Dutchman is hoping to see made by his team.

We have witnessed the difference in approach between Arne Slot and Jürgen Klopp in Liverpool’s first Premier League games; Slot’s revamped Reds are more intent on holding possession and controlling the opposition both with and without the ball.

The number of Liverpool’s top players who have disclosed how exacting Slot has been since the former Feyenoord manager took over is telling, and Salah is no exception.

Regarding the shift in approach, Salah stated, “Now we are trying to control the ball all the time,” in an extensive interview with Men in Blazers that was posted on the Liverpool website. Not that it wasn’t previously, but it wasn’t really the main focus since, under Jürgen [Klopp], we frequently attempted to counterattack or counterpress in an effort to win the ball as high as we could. We definitely still do it now, but you also have more time to hold onto the ball and simply attempt to move it around when you have it. So, increase your ball possession.

Salah went on, “The senior group in particular has adjusted fairly well, I believe, to the new system, even if we have only had one manager for the past seven or eight years. We are still adjusting to our new manager. So far, everything is going smoothly, so maybe we can keep it up and bring home some major awards.

“I want you to adapt”

Salah discussed the mental adjustments he had to make in response to Slot’s demands, saying: “Yes, definitely, because naturally when you keep doing things for seven or eight years, you’re subconsciously programmed to do it that way.” Therefore, the new manager was aware of those things, especially during the preseason, and he told me, “Okay, I know you did that for many years, but our pressing is quite different so I want you to adapt to that as well.” I’m attempting to adjust as a result. We’re finding that it works well for everyone so far, so hopefully we continue in that path.

Salah has shown no signs of weakness as he has scored two goals and provided an assist in the Reds’ first two Premier League games.