Fabinho shares hope for Liverpool under Arne Slot after three-word verdict

Fabinho made headlines this week by commenting on the contract situation at Liverpool. But he also shared his hopes for his former club this season following the appointment of Arne Slot.

The midfielder, who now plays his football for Al-Ittihad, had no special insight on the possibility of Mohamed Salah coming to Saudi Arabia. He revealed that he thinks Liverpool is "desperate" to tie down Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk to new deals, but gave a simple verdict: "Not my problem!"

However, Liverpool is clearly far from being out of sight and out of mind. Fabinho admitted he has been keeping an eye on his old side's progress under Slot, and has high hopes for the Dutchman's maiden campaign.

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Fabinho won every major honor during his time at Liverpool, having a transformative effect on Jurgen Klopp's side when he arrived in the aftermath of Champions League heartbreak in 2018. The Reds would return to the final the following year and win, with the Premier League trophy secured a season after that.

This did prove to be Fabinho's only league success at Anfield, though, as he twice missed out to Manchester City by a single point. And he still has begrudging respect for Pep Guardiola's side.

"For me it’s normal because Liverpool have one of the best teams in the Premier League and in Europe, so it’s not a surprise for me how well they’re doing at the moment," Fabinho told a press conference ahead of Al-Ittihad's clash with Al-Ahli (home to Roberto Firmino). "I think they have everything to fight with Manchester City.

"Unfortunately Man City are still the team to beat, but Arne Slot is doing a very good job. I really hope Liverpool will keep this run until the end of the season and hopefully bring some important trophies this season."

Liverpool will continue its quest for silverware tonight against Brighton and Hove Albion, with a place in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on the line. The same opponent awaits in the league at the weekend, with Slot looking to return to the summit of the table after the recent draw with Arsenal opened the door for Manchester City.

Liverpool.com says: It's nice to see Fabinho continuing to root for Liverpool. No doubt he will have been particularly impressed by Ryan Gravenberch this season, with the young midfielder adapting well to the holding role that the Brazilian performed with such distinction at Anfield.

As for the contract situation, it's at least reassuring to hear that Fabinho hasn't been on the phone trying to convince Salah to move to Saudi Arabia. But time is running out for Liverpool to find a resolution.