We ask supporters for their take on the Egyptian’s standoff with the club before Saturday’s game against Brighton
Mohamed Salah is one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history. That isn’t open for debate. But everyone makes mistakes, and after the draw at Leeds, Salah made a huge one. By seeking the media to air his personal grievances, he essentially justified Arne Slot’s decision to bench him for three consecutive games. Salah’s recent behaviour suggests he’s an individual playing in a team sport. An individual who Liverpool can’t quite afford to carry right now.
Liverpool had conceded 10 goals in three games before Salah’s removal. That had to stop. And with the Egyptian struggling to deliver in the final third this season, it made sense for Slot to experiment without his superstar. The player who defends the least. And just to reaffirm that message, Slot placed Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool’s best presser – in Salah’s place.
Liverpool’s subsequent matches have been less thrilling for the neutral, with the Reds restricting West Ham, Sunderland and Inter to very little in terms of valuable shots. And Leeds created virtually nothing in 72 minutes before Ibrahima Konaté’s random blunder changed the whole landscape. Slot is prioritising stability over stardust right now. And Salah is taking it personally.
