Salah posted on social media last weekend calling for Liverpool to return to the "heavy metal attacking football" associated with Jürgen Klopp's era — a statement widely interpreted as a public criticism of Slot's methods. The Dutch manager was asked about it directly in his pre-match press conference.
"I don't think it is that important what I feel about it. What is important is that we qualify for the Champions League on Sunday and I prepare Mo and the whole team in the best possible way for the game."
He declined to address the question of whether Salah would play, repeating his standard position on team selection.
"I never say anything about team selection."
Slot pushed back against the framing that Salah's post was directed at his specific style of football, pointing out that the Egyptian was equally enthusiastic about last season's title-winning campaign.
"Mo was really happy with the style we played last year as it led to us winning the league. Football has changed, football has evolved, but we both want what is best for Liverpool and that is for us to compete for trophies, which we haven't done this season and which we did last season."
He was also notably candid about the quality of football produced this season — an unusual admission from a manager in the middle of a final-day survival mission.
"I have to find a way to evolve this team now and definitely in the summer and in the upcoming season to be successful again, and to play a brand of football that I like. And if I like it then the fans will like it as well because I haven't liked a lot of the way we played this season."
He also addressed the other Liverpool players who had liked or commented on Salah's post, saying he does not engage with social media and had noticed no change in training behaviour.
"Social media came when I was a little bit older, so as people know I'm not really involved. I don't really know what it exactly means if you like a post. What I know, and that is my world, is to see how they train and I have not seen anything different compared to the rest of the season."
Liverpool need a point against Brentford to guarantee Champions League qualification. Salah leaves at the end of the season after nine years at Anfield.