Arne Slot takes ‘Strait of Hormuz’ swipe and explains how Liverpool already have the Mo Salah replacement

Arne Slot has dismissed his critics with a characteristically dry swipe, insisting pressure and scrutiny come with the territory, and that his focus is squarely on rebuilding Liverpool into title contenders with Alexander Isak central to the plan.

In a candid pre-match press conference ahead of a big showdown against Manchester United, Slot explained the mood around the club. He was quick to acknowledge the discontent among fans and critics but also backed himself to turn it around.

The Dutchman believes he has been criticized a lot more than he deserves. And, also gave an update on Liverpool’s plans to replace Mohamed Salah.

Arne Slot: ‘The Strait of Hormuz isn’t my fault’ – but next season is

Liverpool’s title defence ended with a whimper, and Slot knows the questions are coming. But he’s not hiding from them.

“If a player had won the Premier League for the last five years, he still needs to show up every week to stay in the team. That is how this industry works,” Slot said. “So yeah, we have to prove ourselves the week after and the week after. Then in pre-season. It just goes on.”

In a moment that defines the press conference, he dropped a great response: “The last time I checked, the Strait of Hormuz being closed is not my fault, is it?” The barb landed. But Slot was clear about what has actually made the season difficult: not criticism, but injuries.

“What makes it hard is trying to win the next game with so many players unavailable. That is hard. But that you get criticised in a job like this, that isn’t hard.”

Alexander Isak is the Mo Salah blueprint – and the winger hunt is narrowing

Arne Slot also confirmed that Alexander Isak has been signed with the specific intent of filling the void left by Salah and that Liverpool’s attacking system has been designed around him. “Getting the most from Isak is definitely part of thinking about the replacement.” Slot said.

“Since I have been here, and it is the same at a lot of clubs, it is mainly a left footer on the right and a right footer on the left. I have seen Alex scoring also a lot from crosses which were played from the right.” The model, in other words, remains the same.

What changes is the face. Slot was careful to note Liverpool’s recruitment philosophy isn’t simply chasing the biggest name available. “We try to sign the best possible player who is available for us.”

That approach is now being applied to the wider search. According to Marca, Liverpool have three wingers on their radar, with Michael Olise described as an “almost impossible dream.” While Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande are greatly admired.

In fact, talks with Diomande are already rumoured to be underway, while there was a lot of interest in the Frenchman, last summer. A decision is unlikely to come quickly, but Liverpool’s direction is clearer than the noise around them suggests.