Liverpool's season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, but amidst the turbulence, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Arne Slot's pragmatic approach is not just steadying the ship, but also proving to be the decisive factor in navigating the Mohamed Salah saga.
The recent drama surrounding Mohamed Salah has sent shockwaves through Anfield. After being benched for three consecutive matches, including a frustrating 3-3 draw against Leeds, Salah lashed out, claiming he'd been "thrown under the bus" and that his relationship with manager Arne Slot had broken down. He even hinted at a potential January exit, leaving fans reeling.
Slot, however, has remained steadfast. Publicly, he expressed surprise at Salah's comments but also asserted his authority, emphasizing that politeness should not be mistaken for weakness. More significantly, he acted decisively, dropping Salah from the squad for the crucial Champions League match against Inter Milan. This bold move sent a clear message: no player, regardless of their status, is bigger than the team.
The decision to bench Salah stemmed from tactical adjustments aimed at improving Liverpool's defensive stability. Slot had opted to position Dominik Szoboszlai on the right wing to bolster the team's defensive structure, a move that, while controversial, reflects his commitment to a pragmatic, results-oriented approach. He also cited a need to experiment with different formations, particularly with Salah's upcoming absence due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Liverpool's squad has found itself in a delicate position amidst the Salah-Slot tensions. Alisson Becker acknowledged the difficulty, emphasizing the players' desire to support both sides. He lauded Salah as a "great guy" and "Liverpool legend" but also stressed the team's focus on the challenges ahead and their support for Slot. Virgil van Dijk echoed this sentiment, highlighting the merit-based culture within the dressing room and the need for everyone to perform, regardless of past achievements.
Slot's tactical philosophy revolves around control and calculated risk-taking. Unlike his predecessor, Jürgen Klopp, whose style was characterized by relentless attacking, Slot prioritizes maintaining possession and dictating the tempo of the game. This shift towards a more measured approach is evident in Liverpool's build-up play, which often involves a flexible 4-2-4 formation designed to exploit spaces and lure opponents into tactical traps.
While Slot's initial transfer strategy focused on improving the existing squad through training and tactical refinement, the situation with Salah could potentially alter Liverpool's plans. Several clubs have emerged as potential suitors for Salah, including Galatasaray, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad. Real Madrid have also reportedly entered the race, with a potential swap deal involving Rodrygo being suggested.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Salah's future, Liverpool's recent performances suggest that Slot's pragmatic approach is yielding positive results. The team remains unbeaten in the three games Salah hasn't started, and Dominik Szoboszlai's winning goal against Inter Milan has further justified Slot's tough stance.
Arne Slot's Liverpool is evolving into a tactically disciplined and strategically developed team. While the Mohamed Salah saga continues to unfold, Slot's unwavering commitment to his vision suggests that he is the true winner, guiding Liverpool towards a new era of pragmatic success.
