Arne Slot has admitted dropping Mo Salah was one of the hardest decisions he has faced 🤔

Salah Shock: Arne Slot Defends “One of His Toughest

” After Dropping Liverpool Icon

Arne Slot has openly admitted that leaving Mohamed Salah out of Liverpool’s starting XI against West Ham was one of the hardest calls of his managerial career. Despite growing criticism over Salah’s recent dip in form, the Egyptian forward has been a near-permanent fixture in the team for eight years—making the decision feel like a seismic moment at Anfield. Slot confessed the scrutiny placed on Salah afterward was far from ideal, especially for a player who has delivered countless iconic moments for the club.

The Liverpool boss is now weighing whether to restore Salah to the starting lineup for Wednesday night’s clash with Sunderland. Time is running out: Salah is only available for four more matches before he must join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations on December 15. Slot admitted that the situation at West Ham offered a glimpse into the challenges ahead—managing the minutes of a 33-year-old star who still expects, and deserves, to be central to the team.

Despite being “not happy” about being benched, Salah handled the situation like a consummate professional. Slot praised the forward’s attitude both during the match and in training the next day, noting that his reaction reflected the high standards he has always maintained. “I prefer to see Mo on the pitch doing something special,” Slot said, acknowledging just how rare it is to see the Egyptian absent from the lineup.

And rare it truly is—Liverpool have played 317 Premier League games since Salah’s arrival in 2017, and he has started in all but 34 of them. When excluding AFCON absences, he has missed only 17 matches entirely. Those staggering numbers underline why Slot agonised before choosing to start Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo instead at the London Stadium. Salah’s disappointment, Slot said, was “normal for a player who has been outstanding for so many years.”

Still, Slot insists that the Egyptian remains vital to Liverpool’s immediate plans. His influence, leadership, and hunger to contribute have not diminished—even if his minutes must now be managed more carefully. With AFCON approaching and crucial fixtures ahead, Salah’s role in the coming days could define Liverpool’s trajectory. And one thing is certain: even when benched, Mohamed Salah is still at the heart of the Liverpool story.