Liverpool coach Arne Slot has made an interesting decision by leaving Mohamed Salah out of the starting line up for Sunday’s Premier League match at West Ham. The decision came after Liverpool’s 4-1 home loss to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League and a run of poor results.
Liverpool have now lost nine of their last 12 matches across all competitions. The side that won the title last season looks a long way from that form. The club spent about £500 million on new players in the summer but the results have not matched what fans hoped.
Slot defended his choice in a press briefing. He said the squad is large and he must pick the best line up for each game. He said the following during an interview.
‘We have more players on the bench than only Mo but I can understand you ask a question about that.
‘We have played four games in 10 days I have many good players as you know so for today I chose a different line-up.
‘Sometimes Alex has been on the bench and sometimes Florian. So it’s always about who is on the bench which I can understand but it’s also about the players that start and that’s the XI I chose today.’
Slot made four ces to the side that faced PSV. Florian Wirtz returned from a short injury absence and Joe Gomez started at right back. The decision to leave Salah out was the biggest talking point, given the criticism the forward has faced in recent weeks.
Salah signed a new long term contract not long ago, but his recent displays fall short of his usual high level. His scoring has slowed and some fans have also noted a drop in his work rate and defensive effort. That has added to the pressure on both him and the team.
Slot said he must choose players to try to get wins now while also planning for the future. The manager and the squad now face a vital period as they try to turn results around and restore confidence.
I cant believe Salah was benched! Klopps tactical decisions are always controversial. Hope it pays off! #YNWA
Cant believe Klopp left out Salah! Hope this doesnt backfire. Trust the managers decision or not?
Wow, cant believe Klopp left out Salah! Risky move or tactical genius? Lets see how this plays out. #LFC #PremierLeague
Cant believe Klopp benched Salah! Shouldnt risk losing points. Hope it pays off in the end. 🤞 #Liverpool #PremierLeague
Cant believe they left Salah out again! What are they thinking? Hope it doesnt cost them the game. #TeamSalah #LiverpoolForever
Why bench Mo Salah when hes in top form? Klopps got some explaining to do. Lets hope it pays off! 🤔🔴 #LFC