Regarding the forward’s decline in form, Arne Slot states, “I would still bet on Mo Salah to score to save my life.”
Arne Slot has stated that he believes Mohamed Salah will find his scoring touch again, asserting that the Egyptian is the single player globally he would trust to score if his life were at stake.
Salah did not play during Wednesday’s 5-1 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, as he has not found the net for his team in over a month. The 33-year-old aims to be selected for Saturday evening’s game against Brentford, as the champions are aiming for their initial Premier League win since defeating Everton in the Merseyside derby on September 20. Losses to Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and Manchester United have positioned them in fourth place, four points behind the leading team, Arsenal.
“The manner in which he practices, and during our finishing exercises, it is crucial that this is not overlooked,” stated Liverpool’s manager regarding Salah. “The key point is that we must consistently place him into those scenarios, and he has to also position himself there.
There are numerous changes that can occur as one ages. However, if I had to choose a single player who has the ball 12 or 13 yards away from the goal and must net it to save my life, I would select Mo for that scenario. Now, it’s essential for him to demonstrate that he can find himself in those situations. “
Salah netted 29 goals and provided 18 assists in the Premier League last season, yet he is currently having difficulty maintaining that level of performance. He has not found the back of the net in the league since scoring a decisive penalty against Burnley on September 14.
“I hope he never becomes comfortable with it, as the instant you become fine with it is when you lose the drive,” Slot remarked regarding Salah’s omission from the starting lineup for the match against Frankfurt. “This applies to all players, not only Mo. Once you start to be okay with not playing anymore, you lose the passion required to compete at this caliber.
Following the loss to United last weekend, Virgil Van Dijk organized a meeting with the team, excluding the coaching staff, to address the team’s ongoing struggles that resulted in four consecutive defeats across all tournaments.
In my opinion, he has been the most impactful player I have encountered during my time as a manager,” Slot remarked about his captain. “He has consistently demonstrated leadership throughout my tenure here. Each day, I recognize his leadership. At the beginning of each training session, I can always hear him. I could not request anything more from him in that capacity.
“I urge them to accept accountability and communicate with one another. However, that is a wonderful thing, particularly if we have a leader like Van Dijk who is well respected by the group.
Jeremie Frimpong and Alisson are not playing, while Alexander Isak might be available after sustaining a groin injury against Frankfurt. Slot remarked, “Alex is not too bad, but the weekend is uncertain.”
