LIVERPOOL, England — Following a triumphant victory over Manchester City, Liverpool manager Arne Slot cleverly referenced the ongoing financial turmoil surrounding the English Premier League champions. This jab came during a press conference where he was queried about the future of star player Mohamed Salah, who is nearing the end of his contract and suggested that their recent 2-0 win against City may have been his final appearance against them at Anfield.

With a smirk, Slot responded, “Maybe Mo knows more about the 115 charges that are pending, which might lead him to believe they won’t be in the Premier League next season.” He promptly clarified that his comment was meant as a joke.

Manchester City is currently facing over 100 allegations concerning financial irregularities, which reportedly occurred between 2009 and 2018 as the club sought to solidify its position as a dominant force in English football. Sanctions could be severe, including the possibility of expulsion from the league altogether. Despite this, City has refuted the allegations, and a private hearing is ongoing, with a decision anticipated in early 2024.

In what appears to be a low point for the team, City is enduring a tough stretch, having lost four consecutive Premier League matches and entering a seven-game winless phase, marking the weakest performance since Pep Guardiola took over in 2016.

Slot spoke ahead of Liverpool’s upcoming fixture against Newcastle on Wednesday. The Reds are currently enjoying a robust lead in the league, sitting nine points clear after 13 matches, and are outperforming fifth-place City by a significant score of 11 points.