Mohamed Sissoko on Arne Slot’s Challenge at Liverpool and His Own Football Journey

7 min read
Jun 25, 2024, 2:42 PM

Arne Slot's Challenge at Liverpool

Arne Slot gave his first press conference as Reds boss (PA Wire)

Arne Slot gave his first press conference as Reds boss. Credit: PA Wire

Former Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko discusses the significant task ahead for new manager Arne Slot. Following in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp, who left an indelible mark on Liverpool, is no small feat. Klopp's tenure saw Liverpool achieve tremendous success, including their first-ever Premier League title and a Champions League victory. Sissoko acknowledges the challenge Slot faces and emphasizes the importance of maintaining the high standards set by Klopp.

Sissoko expressed his initial sadness over Klopp's departure but emphasized the need to support the new manager. For Liverpool to choose Slot indicates that the Dutchman has the potential to keep the club competitive and bring something special to the team. Sissoko believes that Slot must carve his own path and bring his unique qualities to Liverpool, noting that every manager is different and needs to bring their best version to create their own success.

"I was really sad when I heard the news that Klopp was leaving. But that is in the past now, so we need to support the new manager because we all want to maintain the standards we’ve had under Klopp."

Maintaining High Standards

Sissoko highlights the importance of maintaining the high standards set by Klopp. He believes that Slot must carve his own path and bring his unique qualities to Liverpool, noting that every manager is different and needs to bring their best version to create their own success. Slot's challenge is not only to maintain the current level of performance but also to build upon it, ensuring that Liverpool remains competitive in both domestic and international competitions.

Sissoko is optimistic about Slot's potential and is excited to see what the new manager will bring to the club. He emphasizes that while it is important not to change too much too soon, Slot will need to find his rhythm and establish his own identity as Liverpool's manager.

Fond Memories of Liverpool

Mohamed Sissoko at Liverpool

FOOTBALL 2006-2007 Premiership Liverpool Momo Sissoko Credit: Imago

Reflecting on his time at Liverpool, Sissoko fondly remembers playing alongside legends like Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso. He describes the unique feeling of representing such a historic club and the enduring bond among former Liverpool players. The camaraderie and the special connection with the fans are aspects of his career that Sissoko cherishes deeply.

"To be honest, it's an amazing feeling to be able to play for Liverpool. It's special. You know it from the moment you sign, but you feel it even more when you finish playing."

Sissoko emphasizes that playing for Liverpool is not just about being part of a team but also about representing the club as an ambassador. He highlights the global fanbase that Liverpool has, particularly in Africa, due to the success of players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and himself.

The Importance of Mohamed Salah

As Liverpool embarks on a new journey under Slot, Sissoko stresses the importance of retaining key players like Mohamed Salah. Salah's impact on the team and his contribution to Liverpool's global fanbase cannot be overstated. Sissoko believes that keeping Salah is crucial for maintaining the club's competitive edge and continuing its success.

"They have to keep Salah, and I know this is business, but he’s so important, you know. A lot of African players have had success at Liverpool in the past, including Sadio Mane, myself, and Salah, and that is why they have a global fanbase."

Sissoko underscores the significance of Liverpool's players as ambassadors for the club, representing its values and the city itself. The connection between the club and its fans is a vital part of Liverpool's identity, and players like Salah play a key role in sustaining that bond.

Challenges and Hopes for Mali Football

Turning his attention to Mali, Sissoko discusses the current challenges facing Malian football, including managerial instability and World Cup qualification difficulties. He highlights the need for stability and the importance of looking forward to achieve success. Despite the issues, Sissoko remains hopeful for Mali's future in football and believes that with the right support, the team can recover and perform well in upcoming competitions.

"Now, with Mali, there are a lot of problems if we are being honest. We have a good team; we have very good young players, but now they have sacked the manager, and they’re looking for a new coach. What we need going forward is stability."

Sissoko stresses that stability is crucial for success, and he hopes that Mali can secure the necessary stability to qualify for the World Cup and possibly win the Africa Nations Cup in the future.

Reflections on an Incredible Soccer Career

Reflecting on his career, Sissoko admits that he misses playing football and the camaraderie of the dressing room. He describes the dressing room as one of the funniest places to be, filled with moments of both joy and challenge. Despite no longer playing professionally, Sissoko feels blessed to have had the opportunity to play for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Liverpool, Juventus, PSG, and Valencia.

"You miss a lot of things. The dressing room is one of the funniest places to be when times are good and when they’re bad. How people react to both victories and defeats. It's so nice, to be honest."

While he misses his playing days, Sissoko is now focused on helping the next generation of footballers prepare for their careers. His insights and experiences continue to inspire both fans and aspiring players alike.

<p>Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, <a href="https://www.rg.org">RG</a> prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.</p><p><strong>Experience:</strong></p><ul><li>Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries</li><li>Former head of regional innovation at BMO Financial Group</li><li>Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports</li></ul>
Interests:
NFL
CFL
NBA
MLB
NHL
ATP
UEFA
NCAA Baseball
PGA
Wimbledon
UFC
Digital Art
Art Collecting
Creating Books
Advanced Technology

More RG Exclusives

Our Authors

Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.

In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content. 

Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.

 ExperienceYear
Engaged in private entrepreneurship2000-2013
Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting2013-2020
Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol2022

"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports." 

- Paruyr Shahbazyan, Founder, RG

 

Principles and Ethics

Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.

Strategic Vision

Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.

Future Perspectives

Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.

 

Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief

Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.

Experience:

  • Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
  • Former head of regional innovation at BMO Financial Group
  • Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina Varela Galan
Problem Gambling Expert

Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project 

 “Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.

Nick Ashbourne
Nick Ashbourne
Senior Writer

Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.

Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022. 

Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambler team.

Sergey Demidov
Sergey Demidov
Head of News Department

Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.

Anna Kravtcova
Anna Kravtcova
Problem Gambling Expert

Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.

Mark Medina
Mark Medina
NBA Reporter

Mark Medina is a longtime NBA reporter that includes stints as a Lakers blogger with The Los Angeles Times (2010-12), Lakers beat writer with the Los Angeles Daily News (2012-17), Warriors beat writer with Bay Area News Group (2017-19) as well as an NBA reporter/columnist for USA Today (2019-21) and NBA.com (2021-23). Medina is also an NBA insider with Fox Sports Radio and frequent contributor to CBSLA's SportsCentralLA with Jim Hill and with Spectrum Sportsnet.

Daria Tuboltseva
Daria Tuboltseva
Hockey Reporter

Daria went to St. Petersburg State University and earned a bachelor of international journalism. Working as a sports journalist from 2014, from 2016 as a hockey journalist. Covered 5 World Championships, 2022 Winter Olympics, 2020 World Juniors, 6 Gagarin Cup Finals. 

Owner of a telegram channel Coolest Game on Earth.

Integrative nutritionist specializing on sports nutritionology.

Paul M. Banks
Paul M. Banks
Sports Reporter

Paul M. Banks is a professional Content Creator whose career has seen bylines in numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Yahoo, MSN, FOX Sports and Sports Illustrated.

Banks has made scores of guest appearances on live radio and television, featuring regularly on NTD News, WGN-TV, CCTV, ESPN Radio, the History Channel, SiriusXM and CBS Sports Radio.

He is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank.net, which has been featured and linked in hundreds of leading media outlets all across the world.

He has also authored two books, one of which, "No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in Sports Media," became an assigned textbook in journalism courses at State University New York-Oneonta.

Marco D'Amico
Marco D'Amico
Hockey Reporter

Marco D'Amico is a beat reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft, while also being a recurring guest on TSN690 and BPM Sports. His work primarily on NHL CBA breakdowns and prospect analysis, all while covering the Montreal Canadiens on a day-to-day basis.

Show More