Arne Slot has hit back at suggestions Liverpool’s standards will soon drop.
The Anfield dressing room culture was placed under the microscope by Mohamed Salah’s recent remarks about teammates needing to step up.
In a TV interview, the outgoing Egypt international claimed he told Dominik Szoboszlai and his fellow teammates to uphold a high bar after his departure.
Salah warned that the Reds will find it ‘tricky’ to navigate future seasons if the standards from past years are not maintained as more senior players depart.
Virgil van Dijk also admitted the fallen Premier League champions will need to put in a lot work behind the scenes after their dismal title defence unravelled.
But Slot rejected the implication that his side have taken their eye off the ball ahead of welcoming a struggling Chelsea in Saturday’s early kick-off.
“Does Virgil mean the same as what Mo is saying? Mo is saying that standards are really important for a football club,” said the head coach.
“I cannot agree with him more. I did not hear him say that the standards are not OK now, did you?
“I’m not worried that the standards will be lower next season than they were this season, last season or the season before. No. I’m not worried. At all.”
He added: “I wish I was able to say what I feel at this moment, but I can’t. I think [standards] are in a good place right now.
“I am completely convinced that we have enough players next season – and the ones we will sign to add to that – to put the standards exactly into the place they are needed.
“The standards are not only important in the gym. It’s everywhere, it’s the entire culture, it’s also on the pitch.
“You understand me? Without me saying anything.”