Arne Slot Explains Why Mohamed Salah’s Dip in Form Is Part of a Bigger Picture at Liverpool
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has acknowledged that Mohamed Salah is not currently performing at his usual world-class level — but he believes the issue goes beyond the Egyptian forward’s individual form.
Salah has recorded three goals and three assists in nine games so far this season, which remains a solid return for a winger. However, by his own lofty standards — following a 2023/24 campaign where he netted 34 goals and provided 23 assists in 52 appearances — it represents a noticeable drop-off.
Stretching back to March, Salah has managed only five goals in his last 20 games, suggesting a prolonged period of inconsistency.
When asked if he felt Salah was out of form, Slot admitted the numbers reflect a dip but explained that tactical and contextual factors have made scoring from open play more difficult for the entire team.
“I see the same with Mo now as in the second half of last season,” Slot said.
“He scored 12 goals then — five were penalties, one was from a set-piece, so just six from open play.
He’s part of a team that faces different opposition now than in the first half of last season.”
The Dutch coach pointed out that opponents have adapted to Liverpool’s style, giving an example from their recent meetings with Manchester United:
“Compare how we won the away game at Old Trafford, when they tried to play out from the back and we won the ball three times off them, to how they played at Anfield, when Onana just went long,” Slot explained.
“That makes it much harder for us to score from open play.”
Slot stressed that the same challenge applies across his forward line — not just Salah.
“Now everyone’s focused on Mo; next time it’s Florian, then Cody,” he added.
“The truth is, we’re not scoring as many open-play goals as we did earlier last season.
It’s something we’re working very hard to improve, and as the team grows more familiar with the new setup, it will get better.”
Liverpool’s reduced output in open play coincides with Slot’s tactical evolution, shifting from a traditional 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 system designed to accommodate a central playmaker — notably Florian Wirtz.
While the change has made Liverpool less predictable, it has also temporarily disrupted their attacking rhythm. Still, Slot views it as a necessary step for long-term progress.
“We still struggle a bit to find enough goals from open play,” he admitted, “but the more we adapt, the better it will become.”
Opponents no longer view Liverpool as underdogs. After their strong first half of Slot’s debut season and a fierce title fight last spring, teams have learned to sit deeper and limit spaces — making life harder for Salah and his fellow attackers.
Even so, Slot remains confident that with time, Salah will rediscover his trademark efficiency — and Liverpool’s attacking machine will click again
