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But the smile on his face as he wandered off, allied to his revelation at the start of the week that progress had been made over contract talks, spoke volumes.

The feelgood factor could be felt throughout the building, with one Liverpool coaching staff member declaring "what a day to be late!" to those journalists compelled to loiter outside the room as Arne Slot held court.

For his part, the Reds boss sported a beaming smile as he made his way towards the press conference, armed with the news he was now keen to discuss having fielded a stream of questions over Salah's future during the course of the season.

With 32 goals and 22 assists in all competitions, the Egyptian is favourite to sweep a number of individual awards.

The priority, though, is the Premier League, with Liverpool hoping to take a step nearer the title when they entertain West Ham United on Sunday - against whom Salah has scored 13 times in 17 appearances for the Reds.

"We are always trying to achieve a bit more as a team and individuals," says Slot.

"But if you are playing at Liverpool, probably you are close to coming to the maximum of your ability.

"There is not a lot of room for improvement for Mo and the other players.

That is what we are trying to get here, to get the maximum from the players, to get 1 or 2% extra.

But it is clear that Mo is coming close to the end (maximum) of his ability.

"We have brought the maximum out of his qualities this season and then it is about consistency, which is one of the most difficult things in football.

Let's hope he can be our leader again as he always has been this season against West Ham."

Elsewhere, Slot played down the decision to substitute Ibrahima Konate for the more attack-minded Conor Bradley during the second half of last Sunday's 3-2 Premier League defeat at Fulham despite the centre-back experiencing a difficult first half.

"For me, if I take Konate out for another centre-back, that tells you I was not happy with his game or he is injured," he says
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