Manager Arne Slott has admitted he was unhappy with Mohamed Salah being left out of Liverpool’s starting line-up against West Ham United, while also revealing when the Egyptian will depart for the African Cup of Nations. Salah did not come on as goals from Alexander Isak and Kodi Gakpo secured a much-needed victory at the London Stadium on Sunday.
The winger was a constant presence in the Premier League as Liverpool won the title last season, and the game against West Ham marked the first time Slott has left the forward out of his starting XI in England’s top division. Nevertheless, Salah feels his position in the team is under increasing scrutiny following a string of underwhelming performances, with the Reds losing nine of 12 games before the weekend’s visit to the capital.
It remains unclear whether the forward will start against Sunderland on Wednesday or whether Slott remains confident in the attack that has helped Liverpool return to winning form.
However, the Reds manager revealed his reaction to being left out of the squad at the weekend and was full of praise for Salah.
“It’s a fair assumption (that he wasn’t happy about being left out),” Slott explained in his pre-match press conference.
“And that’s a normal reaction for a player good enough to play for us.
“And I say that gently because he has been a very good presence at this club for many years and will be for us in the future as well. So, of course, the player will not be satisfied not to play.”
“I can tell you he wasn’t the only one who wasn’t happy about not starting. That’s normal, but his behavior was as you would expect from him being a professional.
“He was very supportive of his team-mates. He took care of himself very well during the day and also in yesterday’s session. If he followed his feelings, he wouldn’t be a player who can come out every three days and play to a high standard.”
“But with Mo, he’s very disciplined and he knows what to do to stay healthy. Whether he plays well or not, whether he plays or not, he’s always going to be a top professional. And that’s what he’s been the last two days.”
Meanwhile, Slott revealed that Salah is scheduled to depart for the African Cup of Nations on December 15, following the home match against Brighton two days ago.
“Yes, yes, we have been (given a release date),” he said. “I think FIFA will do this, I don’t know exactly, but on December 15th.
“But as always in situations like this, there is a player involved, there is a country involved – Egypt in this situation, and there is a club – and there is always a discussion about what is best for all three of us.
“I think the way we have worked at this club is that there is always communication between the three parties: the player, the club and the country. That is nothing new.
“It’s always the same when they come back and when they leave. FIFA did this and said the 15th was the last day they had to be released.”
