Arne Slot praises 'mature' response of Liverpool star in contrast to Mohamed Salah

The Liverpool head coach has overseen the transition from Jurgen Klopp's squad, which has resulted in certain senior players playing a more peripheral role this season

Arne Slot praised Andy Robertson's professionalism(Image: Getty Images)

Arne Slot has paid tribute to Andy Robertson’s professionalism and praised his media comments this week about his future.

The Liverpool left-back’s contract expires at the end of what has been a difficult season. The summer arrival of Milos Kerkez has seen him relegated to a back-up role, and Robertson has started just one of the last seven Premier League games.

The 31-year-old admitted after Monday’s FA Cup win over Barnsley that he would like to play more regular minutes, but did not rule out staying with the club beyond the summer. Those remarks are in stark contrast to Mohamed Salah’s Elland Road rant last month, and with the Egyptian winger set to return to the team next week, Slot chose to complement Robertson’s more diplomatic interview.

“I think I have to give him a big compliment about the things he said; very mature. I could understand everything he was saying,” the Dutchman said on Friday, ahead of this weekend’s Premier League encounter against Burnley.

“I think every player should have the same feeling about his current position, and that is that he is not starting every game.

“But I am really happy he says that he finds joy in the position he has been in and how important he has been to this club over the years, and he definitely still is now.

“He did play quite a lot of games, not as much as he probably hoped, but the way he is acting and his comments in the media is a big compliment and say a lot about him, and how good he has been for this club for the last eight and a half years.”

Robertson has played a more peripheral role this season(Image: Getty Images)

Speaking on Monday, Robertson said: “We’ll see what happens. We’ve had chats now, which will remain private.

"I've spoken to them and we’ll see what happens.

“I’ve got five months left and we need to see the option to stay or if there’s options to go and things like that.

"I’ll sit down with my family and decide.

“After a stressful summer, I’m just trying to enjoy being a part of it and being a Liverpool player.”

Robertson joined Liverpool from Hull City in 2017 and has gone on to win almost every major trophy with the club.

Now vice-captain, his role in the Liverpool squad is highly valued.