Liverpool manager Arne Slot fires back at Mohamed Salah’s critics

Liverpool F.C. manager Arne Slot has come to the defence of Mohamed Salah amid growing criticism over the forward’s recent dip in form in the Premier League.

Salah is enduring an unfamiliar dry spell, having gone nine consecutive league matches without scoring for the first time in his Liverpool career.

The run includes fixtures against Manchester City F.C. twice, Nottingham Forest F.C. twice, Sunderland A.F.C. twice, as well as matches against Brighton & Hove Albion F.C., AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United F.C..

Despite failing to find the net in those games, the Egyptian forward has still contributed creatively, providing four assists against Brighton, Bournemouth, Newcastle and Sunderland.

Salah has managed just four Premier League goals this season, a tally affected in part by his absence while representing Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. His reduced numbers have sparked debate, but Slot made it clear he stands firmly behind his star attacker.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of Liverpool’s clash with West Ham United F.C. in the 28th round of the league campaign, Slot addressed Salah’s situation directly, suggesting that the winger is a victim of the extraordinary standards he has set since arriving at Anfield in 2017.

“He has raised expectations to such an extent that when he doesn’t score in a few games, people are surprised, and that in itself is the greatest praise for him. You can say he didn’t score in 9 league games, but that’s the standard he set for himself,” Slot said.

He added, “I don’t think it’s the right time or place to go into specific details about the performance. We’re used to seeing Mo score goals. Even during my time here, I was asked questions when he didn’t score in 3 or 4 games, but he always came back to score.”

Liverpool head into Saturday’s encounter sitting sixth on the table with 45 points, while West Ham occupy 18th place with 25 points, adding further pressure to the contest.

Slot also provided updates on squad fitness, confirming that Jeremie Frimpong is in good condition, has trained with the squad and is available for selection. However, he admitted disappointment over Florian Wirtz, who is not expected to be fit.

“Every time one of my players is unavailable, it is frustrating, and I didn’t expect that,” Slot said.

He acknowledged uncertainty over Wirtz’s recovery timeline, adding, “I usually know about such things, and sometimes I don’t want to share them, but honestly this time I don’t know.”

The Liverpool boss praised Wirtz’s professionalism and consistency over an extended period, describing his physical condition as a major achievement that positioned him for further growth. “But unfortunately he is not available now, and this is frustrating for him and for us, because he was performing brilliantly.”

As scrutiny intensifies around Salah’s form, Slot’s firm defence underlines his confidence that the Egyptian forward will rediscover the clinical touch that has defined his Liverpool career.