In a season turning into a nightmare for Liverpool, Arne Slot finds himself in a precarious position with star player Mohamed Salah, following a series of lacklustre performances from the Reds. Troy Deeney has cast doubts over Slot’s ability to manage Salah, noting the Egyptian talisman’s propensity to metaphorically throw his “toys out the pram” and avoid taking responsibility for his dip in form.
Liverpool, reeling from their worst spell in 71 years, have endured six defeats in their past seven Premier League matches, alongside two Champions League losses. The nadir came in their latest debacle, a humbling 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven, following successive 3-0 league losses to Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.
Salah, so pivotal last season with involvement in nearly 60 goals, seems to have lost his mojo, failing to score or assist in four consecutive European outings. Deeney, analysing the situation on CBS Sports, asserted that Slot’s hands are tied when it comes to benching the underperforming Salah, recalling the backlash the manager faced the last time he tried to make such a move.
“After he was crowned the best last year and given a three-year deal when they suggested two, now when things are going south, he’s not fronting up. You won’t see Salah stepping forward, leaving poor Curtis Jones to handle the fallout,” mused Deeney.
“Slot tried putting him on the bench against Frankfurt, he took down all his Instagram posts. So, what do you do when arguably Liverpool’s best ever player acts up? If I’m Slot, my choices here set the tone for the entire squad.”
Indeed, Salah’s absence in the Frankfurt fixture coincided with Liverpool’s standout 5-1 performance, where Florian Wirtz shone with two assists from Salah’s usual spot on the right. Despite this, Salah’s return to the floundering side has been almost automatic, with his starting position rarely questioned.
Meanwhile, young Curtis Jones has found himself unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight, tasked with facing the press as the team’s form continues to slide. In the aftermath of the PSV defeat, Jones was candid in his frustrations, admitting: “It’s unacceptable. I’m at a loss for words. Being both a player and a fan, witnessing this is bewildering.”
As Liverpool falter, suggestions of discontent are rife, with rumours swirling about possible managerial changes and the squad’s morale welfare. The reverberations of Liverpool’s plight echo through the corridors of power at Anfield, with many questioning whether Arne Slot can steer the Reds out of their funk, and fans daring to hope for brighter days ahead.