If Liverpool straightened out the situation by winning on Sunday at West Ham (0-2), Mohamed Salah did not appreciate his status as a substitute.
While Liverpool remained on a worrying record of nine defeats in twelve matches, the club management had given Arne Slot a clear mission: to win the next two matches. The Reds coach completed the first part by winning on Sunday at West Ham (0-2). But his choice to leave Mohamed Salah on the bench at kick-off did not please the first person concerned much.
The tactician did not hide the reality of the facts. On the eve of hosting Sunderland (9:15 p.m., 14th day of the Premier League), he raised the subject at a press conference. He immediately said that he understood that Mohamed Salah could have been stung.
“He wasn’t happy not to start, but he wasn’t the only one. It was a normal reaction for a player who has the level to play – and I say that with modesty given the exceptional things he has done for this club and will do again. »
And Arne Slot gives his opinion on the attitude of his one-day replacement. “The way he behaved was what one would expect from a professional like him: he encouraged his teammates and was exemplary on the day and (Monday) in training. »
Mohamed Salah absent until January 18?
One thing is also certain, Mohamed Salah will no longer play for Liverpool for several weeks, due to the African Cup of Nations. Thus, Arne Slot has confirmed the date when the Egyptian will fly to join his selection. It will be December 15th. By then, Liverpool will have played four more matches. The one against Sunderland, then another in Leeds (December 6). There will also be the shock of the sixth day of the Champions League on the pitch of Inter Milan (December 9).
And the last match in which Mohamed Salah is likely to play with the Reds before the CAN will take place at Anfield against Brighton (December 13). If the Egyptian Pharaohs reach the final of the African competition, Salah will not be available until January 18.
