Liverpool Manager’s Announcement
In a recent announcement, Liverpool manager Arne Slot disclosed that Mohamed Salah will head to Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on December 15. The tournament is scheduled to take place from December 21 to January 18. Slot commended Salah’s professionalism despite the player being omitted from the starting eleven in the team’s recent 2-0 win over West Ham United.
Match Highlights
During this match, goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo secured a much-needed victory for Liverpool, snapping a three-match losing streak. This game marked a significant moment for Salah, as it was the first time he had been benched in the Premier League since April 2024, during Jürgen Klopp’s management.
Salah’s Reaction
When asked about Salah’s reaction to not starting, Slot acknowledged, “That is a fair assumption to say he was disappointed not to start. It’s a natural response for a player of his caliber.”
He elaborated on Salah’s history with the club, noting his consistent performance and commitment over the years. Slot added, however, that despite his frustrations, Salah remained a supportive teammate and conducted himself admirably on and off the field.
“You cannot play at high levels every three days and manage your emotions, but Mo is incredibly disciplined and knows how to maintain his fitness whether he’s on the pitch or on the sidelines,” Slot remarked.
This professionalism has been evident in recent days, even with Salah’s looming departure for national duties.
Looking Ahead
In the game against West Ham, both Isak and another new signing, Florian Wirtz, showcased their potential, with Isak scoring his first league goal for Liverpool. Reflecting on future matches, including the upcoming encounter with Sunderland at Anfield, Slot mentioned the importance of recovery and training for all his players, indicating that lineup decisions would depend on how they felt leading into the match.
