Keep It Simple, Liverpool — and Get Salah Firing Again
Before facing Manchester United, I always reminded myself to keep emotions in check — though that was often easier said than done. It’s the biggest fixture of the season, driven by rivalry but grounded in respect. Yet I’m not sure today’s players feel that same intensity in their preparation.
Modern football is far more tactical and measured; players are trained to stay composed under pressure. Still, I think Liverpool would benefit from a simpler approach this weekend — focus on what they do best rather than overcomplicating things.
When we analyzed opponents back in my playing days, we didn’t overthink it. We trusted our quality — and most of the time, we were right. The same applies now. Liverpool have the stronger squad, and with Anfield behind them, that could make all the difference.
That said, Mohamed Salah needs to rise to the occasion. It was good to see him back among the goals for Egypt during the international break, but he hasn’t quite found his rhythm this season — just two goals so far, one from the spot and another on opening day against Bournemouth.
If his form doesn’t pick up soon, Arne Slot might have to make a brave decision. No player, however big the name, should be undroppable — and with the attacking depth Liverpool now possess, the manager has options.
It reminds me of something my old Oxford boss, Maurice Evans, once did. My performances had dipped, and he told me I’d be dropped. That stung — but it worked. In the very next game, I scored four goals in a 6–0 win. Classic man-management from Evans; he knew exactly how to get a response.
Maybe Slot could try something similar with Salah. He’s already shown himself to be an excellent motivator — now we’ll see if he can inspire that same kind of reaction from his star man.
