'We needed': Arne Slot hints at why he decided to take Mohamed Salah off after another ineffective performance

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Questions over Mohamed Salah’s performances continue to grow after another disappointing outing for Liverpool.The Egyptian has not scored from open play in the Premier League since the first match of the season and drew another blank against Manchester United on Sunday.It is not only Salah‘s lack of output in front of goal which is causing concern for Liverpool supporters; the 33-year-old looks sluggish and lethargic in his general play, too.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Despite his poor form, Arne Slot has tended to keep Salah on the pitch this season in the hope of him bagging himself a goal.However, that changed against United, with Slot taking the No.

And speaking after the match, the Dutch coach hinted at why he had made the unusual decision to remove Salah.Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesArne Slot wanted more creativity in search for an equaliserOn current form, there is little reasoning for Salah to keep his place in the Liverpool XI.Once again, Federico Chiesa came on and made a tangible difference, setting up Cody Gakpo’s equaliser.READ MORE: What system Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak played together when thrown on for Liverpool vs Man UnitedHugo Ekitike is also currently having to make do with a place on the bench, despite outperforming Salah comfortably.After taking the Egyptian King off on Sunday, perhaps the tide is starting to turn. But speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Slot simply suggested he needed someone on the pitch who was more likely to create something than Salah.“We’ve had more than enough chances to score a goal.

Every player has tried everything but it didn’t work out.”Mohamed Salah needs some time out of the teamSomething is clearly not quite right with Salah this season. Whether he is struggling to come to terms with the loss of Diogo Jota, or if it is the beginning of a more permanent decline, it is worrying to watch.He has been a supreme footballer for the Reds, and is one of the greatest players in Liverpool history, but right now he is hindering the team.The chance Slot refers to was a shocking, abysmal effort which Salah either had to score or lay off for a Florian Wirtz tap in.These are happening far more frequently than they should recently, and whether the player likes it or not, Slot needs to give him a break from the team.Hopefully that can lead to Salah coming back refreshed and ready to look like his old self again.