Slot on Salah comments, 'vital' final game and Van Dijk's 'accomplishment'

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Sunday's final Premier League game of the season against Brentford at Anfield (kick-off 16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Alexander Isak, who has been absent with a minor injury, and Alisson, who has been suffering with a hamstring problem, will train with the first team on Friday. It is "positive" news as both players could be available for selection.
• When asked about Mohamed Salah's most recent comments on social media, he replied: "I don't think how I feel about it is important. What is important is that we qualify for the Champions League."
• He added: "I don't know if it has had an impact on the group, but what I have seen is my players training really well this week. Mo [Salah] and I have the same interest; we both want this club to be as successful as possible. That is what we should be focusing on."
• However, Slot would not be drawn on whether the Egypt international will be involved in his final-ever game at Anfield. "I never say anything about team selection, so it would be a surprise if I did that right now," he said.
• The 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa and the subsequent missed opportunity to secure Champions League football for next season was "very disappointing". It has made Liverpool's final game of the season a "vital one" to win.
• He added: "We know what we need to do. We need a win or a draw. If we don't, we still have an acceptable goal difference. However, we would like to give our fans a nice ending because there have been far too many disappointments this season for us as a club."
• Virgil van Dijk playing every minute of the Premier League season so far is a "great accomplishment". He explained: "It isn't as simple as some people might think, especially in a league like this and if you are his age. It is unbelievable, especially in a season of setbacks, because it is much easier to stay fit if things are going well."
• On whether he will look to change his approach next season, Slot said: "There doesn't need to be a reset, but I do know football has evolved and changed. We have to make sure we can compete with Arsenal and Manchester City again next season, with our own brand of football."
• He added: "We also have to take into account that our brand of football is one that our fans like, so long as that goes together with competing for the trophies we want to compete for."
• On a personal note, Slot is looking forward to "continuing to evolve" his team next season.
• Liverpool are "really happy" with Milos Kerkez's development this season because he has "played a lot of games and improved throughout".
• He explained: "It is never easy for a player to come into a team that isn't performing at the level they were last season. We are looking for him to make the next step now. Hopefully a great example for him is Dominik Szoboszlai, he is a great example for all of us."

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