Liverpool's star forward Mohamed Salah, often hailed as the "Egyptian King," is facing a dip in form, prompting concerns and discussions about his performance. Following Liverpool's recent 2-1 defeat against Chelsea, where Salah failed to make a significant impact, manager Arne Slot defended his star player, reminding everyone that even the best have their off days.
Slot acknowledged Salah's missed opportunities during the Chelsea match but was quick to highlight the high standards the Egyptian has set for himself since joining Liverpool in 2017. Slot stated, "He had many opportunities to do what he has done so often, but he is a human being. It is not like every chance he gets is always a goal". Slot's remarks serve as a reminder that even the most prolific goalscorers experience fluctuations in form.
Salah's recent performances have come under scrutiny, especially after Liverpool's third successive defeat in all competitions. Despite having three goals and three assists in all competitions this term, his failure to register any goal involvements against Chelsea marked the third league game where he has drawn a blank. This inconsistency has led to questions about his sharpness and overall impact on the team.
Adding to the debate, Liverpool legend Steve Nicol criticized Salah's recent performances, stating that he "couldn't hit a barn door if he was standing in front of it". Nicol pointed out that Salah's struggles are exacerbated by Liverpool's inability to maintain possession, impacting his goal-scoring ability.
Slot also addressed the possible reasons behind Salah's performance, mentioning the decision to rest him during the midweek Champions League defeat to Galatasaray. He pondered whether the rest contributed to Salah's energy against Chelsea or if it affected his sharpness. Slot highlighted that Salah consistently gets into promising positions and has a proven track record of scoring goals.
Despite the recent setbacks, Slot expressed confidence in Salah's partnership with Alexander Isak, suggesting that their understanding will improve as they play together more. He acknowledged the changes within the team over the summer, with players arriving at different times, which has affected the team's consistency. Slot believes that better finishing would have changed the outcomes of the matches against Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
The Liverpool manager also emphasized the need for consistency and hard work to maintain a high level of performance in football, especially when facing strong opponents like Chelsea. He noted that creating chances is not enough and that converting those chances is crucial for securing victories.
As Liverpool look ahead to their upcoming match against Manchester United after the international break, the focus will be on Salah to regain his form and lead the team to victory. Despite the current challenges, both Slot and the Liverpool squad will be hoping the "Egyptian King" can rediscover his scoring touch and help Liverpool get back to winning ways.
