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Liverpool manager Arne Slot has acknowledged that Mohamed Salah was unhappy at being left out of the starting line-up for Sunday’s 2–0 win over West Ham, while insisting the forward’s professionalism has not wavered.
The Egypt international was an unused substitute at the London Stadium as Slot reshuffled his side following a miserable spell of form, which saw the Reds lose nine of their previous 12 matches in all competitions.
Salah’s absence was notable given his status as Liverpool’s talisman over the past decade, but his recent struggles in front of goal have been hard to ignore. At 33, the winger has managed just four league goals this campaign — a sharp drop from last season, when he finished as the Premier League’s top scorer with 29.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s home clash with Sunderland, Slot admitted the decision was not easy but said Salah has not been performing at the extraordinary level supporters have come to expect.
“For a long time here he’s been almost superhuman,” Slot said, “but like every player, there are moments when you are human. He hasn’t been at his highest level recently, but with his quality, there’s no doubt he will score again for us.”
The Dutchman said he was unsurprised by the forward’s disappointment at being sidelined, describing it as a natural response from a player with Salah’s pedigree.
“He is more than good enough to play every week, so of course he was frustrated. After everything he has done for this club over so many seasons, that is completely understandable,” Slot added. “And he wasn’t the only one in the squad who wasn’t pleased not to start.”
Slot also praised Salah’s character off the pitch, stressing that his attitude had remained exemplary despite the setback.
“To compete at the highest level every few days, you cannot be ruled by your emotions,” he said. “Mo is incredibly disciplined. Whether he plays or not, whether he scores or not, he always behaves like a true professional.”
Slot confirmed that Salah is expected to depart for international duty next month, with Egypt preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins in mid-December.
“As always, there are three parties involved — the player, his country, and the club,” Slot explained. “We are in constant discussions to find what works best for everyone.
