By Sam French
Credit: LFC
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has underlined the scale of the task ahead as his side prepare to face Brighton, while also addressing key injury concerns and the wider context of their season run-in.
Salah ruled out but early return possible
Arne Slot confirmed that Mohamed Salah will miss the trip to the south coast with a muscle issue and will not join Egypt during the international break.
“History has shown he can be back earlier than others,” the manager said.
“He takes such good care of his body, he can be back earlier than others as history has shown. But, it is only two weeks until we go again.”
Brighton test after short turnaround
Looking ahead to Brighton, the manager expects an open and demanding contest, but acknowledged the challenge posed by a quick turnaround.
“A very attractive and interesting style,” he said. “We only have 60 hours of rest after putting in an enormous physical performance.
"Brighton has always been a team who want to play, bring the ball out from the back, and make it a very intense game.”
He also pointed to the mental challenge of the early kick-off following a midweek high.
“Emotionally and mentally it is not always easy after a peak we had on Wednesday evening, to go to a 12:30 kick-off against a team and fans who want to come at us straight away.”
Through the years: Brighton (A) 📸🔴 pic.twitter.com/fKRjSU1xQd
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 20, 2026
Style of play and 'fight' mentality
Reflecting on the 4-0 win over Galatasaray, Slot suggested the nature of the opponent played a major role in the performance.
“Styles make fights,” he explained. “We faced a team… who wanted to press and bring the ball out from the back. They wanted to fight with us.”
“Whenever a team wants to fight we will fight with them. When a team does not it is less open and less attractive. You cannot compare that at all with a lot of teams we have faced this season.”
Gomez and Szoboszlai
He also provided an update on Joe Gomez, who was on the bench midweek but not ready to feature.
“We tried to postpone it as long as we can. He might be available for tomorrow but definitely not to start.”
On Dominik Szoboszlai, the Dutchmen dismissed the idea of using him at right-back despite concerns over Jeremie Frimpong.
“Dominik for me is a midfielder. When I play him in a different position it is not because I think I want to be a tactical genius, it is because I don’t have other options.”
“If I have the chance I play him in midfield.”
Arne Slot stressed the need for the Reds to be prepared for an incredibly intense encounter at Brighton & Hove Albion 💬🔴
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 20, 2026
Focus on results as season reaches decisive phase
The manager also brushed off questions about his contract, insisting his attention remains firmly on performances and results.
“Is this how football works? We win one time and now we talk about my contract,” he said. “My focus is completely on Brighton.”
“It’s going to be a fight until the end of the season and my focus is completely on that.”
He also admitted Liverpool must be more clinical in front of goal.
“We are struggling to score goals, with all the chances we create it’s unbelievable we don’t score more.”
With the campaign entering its final stretch, the Liverpool manager made it clear that both performance levels and results will be crucial in the weeks ahead.
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