Liverpool Manager Arne Slot Navigates Mohamed Salah's Form Challenges Amid Team Adjustments

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has acknowledged Mohamed Salah's slow start this season and suggested that adjusting to life without Trent Alexander-Arnold, a key creator who left for Real Madrid, might be affecting Salah's performance. Despite being dropped for two consecutive Champions League matches and missing several chances, Slot emphasized that Salah is still expected to score again and noted the overall team struggles this season. With Alexander Isak sidelined due to a groin injury, Slot faces limited forward options and is expected to start Salah against Brentford despite the Egyptian's current poor form. Slot's previous success managing player transitions at Feyenoord, including handling significant squad changes, was a factor in his Liverpool appointment, highlighting his experience with team rebuilds amid high-profile departures. Meanwhile, new signing Hugo Ekitike has impressed as Liverpool's top scorer this season, potentially impacting selection decisions alongside the fitness issues of Isak and Salah's dip in form. The situation reflects Liverpool's ongoing challenges in integrating new players while maintaining performance levels amid key absences and form issues.