Salah questions irk Liverpool manager

Liverpool FC manager Arne Slot sounded displeased with questions on why he started Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah on the bench in Sunday’s match against West Ham United.

The Dutch manager came into the Premier League game while smarting from a 4-1 mauling by PSV Eindhoven in a midweek UEFA Champions League encounter. It came as a little surprise that he made four changes to the visitors’ line up.

The Pharaoh’s star started the away Premier League game from the bench as the defending champions finally returned to winning ways.

Former Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak scores his first Premier League goal for Reds before Cody Gakpo doubles the advantage after Lucas Paqueta sent off for Hammers.

Despite the victory, Slot could not avoid questions on the situation of Salah as to why he had to start from the bench. However, the Dutchman, as quoted by Liverpool FC website, seemed unhappy with the focus on his star.

“I got this question already. It’s every time we play a game when I don’t play Florian Wirtz, when I don’t play Alexander Isak, when I don’t play Hugo Ekitike, when I don’t play Mo Salah. It’s about that, which is normal because they’re all outstanding players and Mo has had an unbelievable career here at this club – and will have a very good future at this club because he’s such a special player,” Slot said.

“Four games in 10 days with only 14 to 15 outfield players available for us, then you have to decide once in a while to make a certain line-up and you try to pick the best line-up for every single game. Today, with the way they set up, with a full-back that is constantly very high and a winger that is constantly inside, I thought this could help the team. Like I said, he has been so important for this club and will be important for this club in the future.”

What do statistics say about Salah?

There have been questions about the form of Salah this season as he seems to struggle to find his scoring touch at a time Liverpool are also limping. The Egyptian superstar has scored four league goals in 12 games.

Liverpool are now eight points behind leaders Arsenal who shared the spoils with fourth-placed Chelsea FC on Sunday. The defending champions are in eight place on the log table.

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