Arne Slot defends Mohamed Salah with star man out of form

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Following a recent Premier League defeat against Chelsea, Liverpool manager Arne Slot publicly defended star forward Mohamed Salah amid discussions of his recent lack of goal-scoring form. Slot emphasized that Salah, despite his exceptional performance in previous seasons, cannot be expected to convert every opportunity into a goal. He highlighted that Salah is also human and capable of experiencing games where, despite numerous promising chances, he might not score or assist.

Slot explained the complexity of squad rotation and player management amidst a congested fixture schedule, noting the physical demands on key players like center back Konaté, who has recently played multiple matches in a short period combined with long travel. This challenge extends to players like Salah, where managing minutes is crucial, but rests must be balanced against the risks of weakening the team’s setup.

Regarding tactics, Slot mentioned the adjustments he made during the Chelsea game, including deploying a midfielder as a center back when Liverpool were behind, indicating the strategic risks and decisions involved in trying to turn the game around. Despite Salah’s current form dip, Slot maintained confidence in his abilities and contribution, urging patience and understanding from observers who might expect constant high-level output.

Overall, Slot’s comments underlined the challenges faced by Liverpool’s squad in a demanding season, while reaffirming his support for Salah as a vital player even when moments of struggle arise. The manager’s stance serves to contextualize Salah’s form within the broader picture of physical demands and tactical choices rather than placing undue criticism on the forward alone.