The new Liverpool era under Arne Slot continues to unfold with energy, ideas, and scrutiny. Following recent comments by Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella suggesting that Mohamed Salah could be “targeted” or neutralized defensively, the Liverpool boss has hit back — passionately defending his star forward while highlighting the tactical realities of modern football.
Slot’s message was clear: criticism of Salah’s defensive contribution misses the bigger picture. Football, he insists, is a collective effort where all eleven players share responsibility, both in attack and defense.
As the debate intensifies in the wake of Liverpool’s recent match, Slot’s words underline not only his faith in Salah’s value but also his awareness of where the Reds must improve as a team.
The Spark: Cucurella’s Controversial Comments
The exchange began after Chelsea’s recent clash with Liverpool, where Cucurella — speaking post-match — appeared to suggest that his side deliberately targeted Salah’s flank to exploit defensive weaknesses. His remarks quickly spread across social media, igniting a wave of discussion among pundits and fans alike.
While some interpreted Cucurella’s comments as tactical insight, many Liverpool supporters saw it as disrespect toward their talisman — a player whose contributions have defined the club’s success for nearly a decade.
Enter Arne Slot, never one to avoid a difficult question. Calm yet firm, the Dutch manager chose to address the issue head-on in his press conference, defending Salah’s work rate and highlighting the collective responsibility his system demands.
Slot Responds: “All 11 Players Are Expected to Defend”
Slot began by rejecting the notion that Salah had failed in his duties. “All our 11 players are expected to defend,” he stated. “In this particular case, I heard the comments of Cucurella, and also saw how they scored the goal to make it 2–1. But I could also show you five or six moments where Mo could have made the difference for us.”
The coach’s message was pointed but balanced. Rather than single out one player, he chose to focus on the broader dynamics of the match — emphasizing that Salah’s attacking instincts, even when not yielding immediate results, remain essential to Liverpool’s system.
Slot went on to remind everyone that Salah has long been Liverpool’s difference-maker. “If those moments had gone his way, we would be having a completely different conversation — like we did so many times last season, when he made the difference for us.”
The statement serves as a reminder that even legends have quieter games. For Slot, the bigger picture matters more than isolated moments or public criticism.
A Manager Who Understands the Balance Between Attack and Defence
Slot’s philosophy has always revolved around balance — between pressing and positioning, between attacking ambition and defensive responsibility.
In his comments, he admitted that Liverpool still have areas to refine. “It’s always the balance between wingers and full-backs. I want our full-backs to attack as well, so we have to find the right balance in that. But we are conceding too many crosses compared to last season, and this is something I’m aware of — we have to do better.”
This acknowledgement reveals both self-awareness and tactical insight. Slot is not merely reacting emotionally to Cucurella’s jab; he’s diagnosing a genuine issue within Liverpool’s structure.
His reference to “too many crosses conceded” points to a recurring challenge in Liverpool’s play this season — especially down the flanks, where overlapping full-backs often leave open spaces for opponents to exploit. The goal against Chelsea that prompted Cucurella’s comment, Slot implies, was more a product of team dynamics than individual failure.
Salah: The Relentless Performer Under the Spotlight
When Mohamed Salah arrived at Anfield in 2017, few could have predicted the monumental impact he would have on English football. Now, eight years later, the Egyptian forward remains Liverpool’s most influential player — a scorer, creator, and leader.
But with such status comes scrutiny. Every game, every touch, and every defensive action is analyzed in microscopic detail. Critics often forget that Salah’s primary duty — and greatest gift — is his ability to turn tight matches with moments of brilliance.
Slot’s defense of him is not merely about protecting his player; it’s a recognition of what Salah brings that statistics cannot always capture: gravity. His presence alone alters opposition strategies, drags defenders out of shape, and creates space for others to exploit.
Even in games where he doesn’t score, Salah’s influence is undeniable — a fact Slot was quick to emphasize.
Liverpool’s Evolution Under Slot: A Work in Progress
Since taking over from Jürgen Klopp, Slot has approached his Liverpool rebuild with calculated confidence. His tactical model — blending Dutch positional discipline with the high-tempo intensity Liverpool fans demand — is still evolving.
Early signs show promise. Liverpool’s attacking fluidity has returned, and players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Díaz have begun to thrive under his direction. However, the defensive transitions remain an area of concern — particularly against teams that counter quickly or exploit wide spaces.
Slot’s comments on crosses conceded suggest he is fully aware of these flaws and is already working to fine-tune the system. His openness contrasts with managers who deflect blame — instead, Slot communicates accountability and adaptability.
And in the process, he has made it clear that public criticism of his players will be met with equal parts reason and resistance.
The Balance of Modern Football: Everyone Defends, Everyone Attacks
Slot’s response also underscores a larger theme in modern football: positional fluidity. In today’s game, wingers are not just attackers; they’re also the first line of defense. Likewise, full-backs are not just defenders; they’re vital playmakers.
Liverpool’s system — particularly under Klopp and now Slot — relies heavily on this interchange of responsibility. When full-backs like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson surge forward, wingers must track back to maintain defensive stability. It’s a delicate dance, and when it falters, vulnerabilities appear.
Slot’s acknowledgment that his team is “conceding too many crosses” hints at the need to recalibrate this movement — ensuring that aggression in attack does not come at the cost of structure in defense.
But blaming one player, as Cucurella’s comments seemed to imply, oversimplifies the complexity of elite football. Slot’s broader point is clear: defense and attack are collective endeavors.
Leadership Through Communication
One of the most impressive aspects of Arne Slot’s management style is his communication. Unlike some coaches who choose to shield their tactical thoughts, Slot speaks with clarity and purpose.
His response to Cucurella wasn’t angry or defensive — it was analytical and composed. By explaining his reasoning publicly, he sent two messages simultaneously: one to the media, and another to his players.
To the media, he reaffirmed that Liverpool remain united and self-aware.
To his players, he demonstrated loyalty and trust — especially to Salah, a figure whose confidence and leadership are central to Liverpool’s dressing room.
This kind of transparent leadership can strengthen team morale, ensuring players feel protected and valued, even in the face of external criticism.
Looking Ahead: Improvement and Redemption
As Liverpool continue their campaign, Slot’s words carry both reassurance and challenge. He knows his team is performing well but not yet at its peak. The call to reduce conceded crosses, sharpen transitions, and rediscover defensive balance reflects a manager with clear vision and high standards.
And for Mohamed Salah, the message could not be clearer: his manager believes in him — not only as a goal-scorer but as a symbol of Liverpool’s identity.
When asked about the criticism, Salah himself remained professional and focused — characteristics that have defined his entire Liverpool career. Expect him to respond the only way he knows how: on the pitch.
Conclusion: Slot’s Stand Reflects More Than Defence of a Player
Arne Slot’s passionate yet reasoned response to Marc Cucurella was about more than one comment. It was a statement of principle.
He defended his star, protected his team, and admitted areas for improvement — all in one measured response. In doing so, he reaffirmed what makes him such a promising successor to Klopp: intelligence, emotional control, and tactical clarity.
As the Premier League season continues, Liverpool fans can take comfort in knowing their new manager is not afraid to speak truth, challenge narratives, and stand by his players — especially when the world is watching.