Arne Slot has sent a pointed response to Barcelona and sporting director Deco after comments made about Liverpool star Luis Diaz.
The Colombian international has been a long-term target of Barcelona and has made no secret of his desire to one day play for the La Liga champions. Reports this week stated Barca would step up its interest in Diaz during the summer transfer window.
Ex-Chelsea star Deco only fueled that speculation when he revealed the club’s admiration for Diaz, as well as Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford, when he spoke to Catalan radio station RAC1 about potential new recruits.
“We like Luis Diaz, we like Marcus Rashford and we like other players. When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team,” he said.
But Slot, who has continually refused to publicly discuss Liverpool’s interest in transfer targets, had some words for Barca as he faced the media ahead of Sunday’s title celebration against Crystal Palace.
“Every club has its own way of doing things. I don’t talk about players from other clubs that we haven’t signed,” the Reds boss said in his press conference.
“I understand that he is a big admirer of Lucho because I am as well. He is a great player, who is having a great season.
If he meant it in that way, I assume he mentioned he was an admirer of Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo too? We all admire some players. I admire Lamine Yamal and Raphinha as well!”