Liverpool coach Arne Slot explains decision to bench Mohamed Salah

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has explained why Mohamed Salah started on the bench for the second Premier League game running, this time against Sunderland at Anfield.

The Egyptian star had also been among the substitutes in the previous 2–0 win over West Ham, a situation that has raised many questions among supporters.​

Slot revealed that left-back Milos Kerkez was left out entirely after complaining of muscle discomfort, saying it would have been too risky to play him again so soon after his strong display in the last match. He stressed that he opted to keep the same starting XI for “balance and continuity,” insisting Liverpool need more than just 11 players over a busy period.​

The Dutch coach underlined that all substitutes, including Salah, are in contention to make an impact, noting that some regular starters may not yet be ready to complete 90 minutes.

He warned that Sunderland are “very strong all over the pitch,” and that Liverpool will likely need fresh energy from the bench, whether from Salah, Federico Chiesa or Curtis Jones.

Salah’s dip in numbers this season, with 5 goals and 3 assists in 18 games, forms the backdrop to the debate around his role.