Liverpool manager Arne Slot has defended Mohamed Salah, describing him as a "top professional" for his response to being dropped from the starting lineup. The Egyptian forward was left on the bench for Sunday's 2-0 Premier League win at West Ham, marking the first time he had been omitted since April underSlot's predecessor Jurgen Klopp.
Salah has struggled in form this season, scoring only four goals in the top flight compared to his impressive tally of 29 last season. However, Slot praised Salah for handling his exclusion well and maintaining a high level of discipline, even if he is unhappy with being left out.
Slot acknowledged that players are human and will have phases where they are disappointed or unhappy with their roles. The Liverpool manager believes that Salah is a "top professional" who knows what it takes to stay fit and perform at a high level, both when playing well and when not.
As a result of his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), Salah will depart for Egypt on December 15th, marking his last appearance for Liverpool. This means that he is likely to miss seven games, including the match against Arsenal on January 8th. Slot admitted that the team needs to find a way to play without Salah during his absence.
The timing of Salah's departure has raised questions about whether it marks the beginning of Liverpool's life without him. The club has been struggling in recent weeks, and Salah's exclusion has sparked debate among fans about his role in the team.
Salah has struggled in form this season, scoring only four goals in the top flight compared to his impressive tally of 29 last season. However, Slot praised Salah for handling his exclusion well and maintaining a high level of discipline, even if he is unhappy with being left out.
Slot acknowledged that players are human and will have phases where they are disappointed or unhappy with their roles. The Liverpool manager believes that Salah is a "top professional" who knows what it takes to stay fit and perform at a high level, both when playing well and when not.
As a result of his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), Salah will depart for Egypt on December 15th, marking his last appearance for Liverpool. This means that he is likely to miss seven games, including the match against Arsenal on January 8th. Slot admitted that the team needs to find a way to play without Salah during his absence.
The timing of Salah's departure has raised questions about whether it marks the beginning of Liverpool's life without him. The club has been struggling in recent weeks, and Salah's exclusion has sparked debate among fans about his role in the team.
. I mean, yeah he's not scoring as many goals as last season, but come on, it's just football! He's still putting in the work and staying disciplined, so I think that's something to be praised 
. It's like when you're not feeling well and you still go to work, or when you mess up on a test and still keep trying 
. But for real, it's sad he's leaving Liverpool, I love watching him play 
️! I think the team needs to find ways to adapt without him, maybe they can make some changes to the formation or something? Maybe we'll see Salah shine again in Egypt 
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but at the same time, I think he's being really unfair to Salah by saying he handled being dropped well 
Like, it's one thing to be professional when you're on form, but what about when you're not? 
And honestly, I don't know if I'd want to play with a player who's just going through the motions all the time 
especially against Arsenal on Jan 8th 
what if they get thrashed? 
I mean, I know Liverpool's been struggling lately, but can't they just find a way to win with their current squad? 
& even though he hasn't been scoring goals left & right, slot says he's a top pro who knows what it takes to stay fit... that's gotta count for something 
. Now, I'm intrigued by how Liverpool will cope without him during his absence – will we see some new faces emerge from the bench? 
That's just cruel! The team is already struggling as it is. What are they gonna do without Salah?! 
The timing just feels like Liverpool are being set up for failure without our top scorer. 
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... I hope our new signings are going to step up and make the difference 
Anyway, I managed to catch my breath and realized that maybe I should've invested in those surf lessons I always wanted to take 
. Has anyone else ever had one of those dreams where you're totally unprepared for what's happening? 
. His form has been pretty meh, and you can't blame Slot for giving him a break. But 7 games without Salah? That's gonna be tough 
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. I mean, Arne Slot is right tho - Mo's still a pro and knows how to stay on point, even when he's feeling down 
... they've been losing some games recently & everyone's looking up to Salah for a spark 
... we'll miss him, no doubt! 
the guy's already had a tough season and he knows how to handle it... all managers go through phases of disappointment 
he's still a top player but i feel like he's losin his touch. i mean, 4 goals already dis season & last yr he scored 29! 
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. The fact is, Salah is struggling and we all know it. He's going to miss a lot of games and I'm not sure if Liverpool can function without him for that long 
. And now that he's leaving, the questions will only get louder...