Liverpool manager Arne Slot has commended forward Mohamed Salah for his professionalism after being left on the bench for Sunday’s 2-0 Premier League victory over West Ham.
This marked the first time Salah had been dropped in the league since April 2024, when Jurgen Klopp was in charge. The Egyptian international, who scored 29 goals to claim last season’s Golden Boot, has managed just four Premier League goals so far this campaign.
Slot acknowledged that it was understandable for Salah to be unhappy about not starting at London Stadium. “That’s a normal reaction from a player of his quality. He has been outstanding for this club for many years and will continue to be,” Slot said.
Despite being sidelined, Salah “handled himself really well,” Slot added, praising his discipline and dedication to staying fit. “No matter if he plays well or doesn’t, he will always be a top professional—and that’s exactly what he showed in the last two days,” he said.
Slot also noted that phases like this are normal in any player’s career. “He has scored so many goals for us, and I am sure he will continue to do so in the future,” he said.
Looking ahead, Liverpool will have to manage without Salah from 15 December, when he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), with the tournament final scheduled for 18 January 2026.
Currently eighth in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Arsenal, Liverpool host Sunderland on Wednesday before traveling to face relegation-threatened Leeds on Saturday.
