Arne Slot Admits Mohamed Salah is ‘Out of Form’ – and Explains Why

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has made a candid admission about Mohamed Salah’s current struggles, acknowledging that the Egyptian superstar is not performing at his usual world-class level. However, Slot was quick to emphasize that Salah’s dip in form is part of a broader tactical and team-wide issue affecting the entire squad.

By Salah’s own elite standards, his current statistics reflect a quieter start to the season. With three goals and three assists in nine appearances, the numbers are respectable for most players — but not for a footballer who has consistently ranked among Europe’s most dangerous forwards. Last season, Salah delivered an astonishing 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 games, driving Liverpool’s attack almost singlehandedly at times.

Now, those explosive performances seem harder to come by. The 32-year-old winger has scored just five goals in his last 20 appearances stretching back to March, a noticeable decline that has not gone unnoticed by fans and pundits. When asked about Salah’s form, Slot didn’t deny the drop — but he provided a layered explanation that points to systemic changes in Liverpool’s play.

“I see the same [with Mo’s form now] as the second part of last season, when he scored 12 goals – five from penalties and one from a set-piece, meaning just six from open play,” Slot said. “He is part of a team that faces different opposition than the first half of last season.”

Slot went on to illustrate how opponents have adapted to Liverpool’s attacking patterns. He drew a comparison between Liverpool’s previous win at Old Trafford and their recent match at Anfield against Manchester United, noting a stark contrast in United’s approach. “In the away game, United tried to play out from the back and we won the ball three times to score. But at Anfield, Onana only went long. That’s one of the reasons why it’s now harder for us to score from open play,” he explained.

The Dutch manager emphasized that this shift in opposition tactics has affected not just Salah but also the team’s entire attacking rhythm. “Mo was a part of this already; you could see it in the second half of last season and now at the start of this one,” he added. “But next time, you’ll talk about Florian, or Cody. The truth is — we’re all struggling to score enough from open play.”

Indeed, Liverpool’s recent statistics support Slot’s analysis. The team’s open-play goals have significantly dropped compared to their high-flying form at the start of the previous campaign. The Reds, once known for their fluid transitions and relentless pressing, now find themselves facing compact, defensively organized opponents who have learned how to neutralize their trademark style.

Slot acknowledged the issue but remained optimistic about Liverpool’s progress under his leadership. “This is something we’re working on very hard,” he said. “The more we play together in this new setup, the better it will get. But yes, we are still finding it difficult to score as freely as before.”

One of the main reasons behind this adaptation period is Slot’s tactical evolution. Since taking over from Jürgen Klopp, the Dutch coach has gradually shifted Liverpool away from their traditional 4-3-3 formation toward a more flexible 4-2-3-1 system. The change, though strategic, has required key players like Salah, Darwin Núñez, and newcomer Florian Wirtz to adjust their movements and attacking responsibilities.

While the new setup aims to make Liverpool less predictable, it has also temporarily disrupted Salah’s natural rhythm. Previously, the Egyptian thrived on quick transitions and diagonal runs from wide areas. Now, his positioning demands more patience, as he operates in tighter spaces against deeper defenses. Slot, however, believes the tactical shift will benefit Salah in the long run, especially as creative midfielders like Wirtz settle into the No. 10 role.

Liverpool’s rise under Slot has not gone unnoticed — nor has the growing pressure to sustain their early-season success. After dominating the first half of last season and fighting until the end for the Premier League title, Liverpool have become a target for opponents who now prepare more defensively against them. Slot believes this respect from rivals is both a compliment and a challenge.

“Liverpool are no longer the underdogs,” Slot reminded reporters. “Teams know what we can do, and they adapt. That means we must evolve too.”

As the season unfolds, all eyes will remain on Salah, whose resilience and professionalism have defined his career. Though his current numbers may not mirror his peak years, Slot’s comments suggest there’s no panic within the camp — only determination to adapt and overcome. The coach’s transparent explanation paints a picture of a manager who understands both the statistics and the psychology of his players.

For Liverpool fans, that’s a reason for cautious optimism. If Slot’s tactical tweaks begin to click and Salah rediscovers his sharpness in front of goal, the Reds could soon return to their lethal best — and their No. 11 could once again be the unstoppable force that terrorizes Premier League defenses