Arne Slot explains why he benched Mohamed Salah in Liverpool clash vs Leeds United

Liverpool are showing no signs of progress after the international break as they suffered a 3-3 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday. 

Hugo Ekitike scored twice to give the Reds a healthy 2-0 lead after the break, but individual errors crept in and allowed the home side to make it 2-2 in quick succession. 

Dominik Szoboszlai scored late on to give the Reds a 3-2 advantage, but frailties at the back allowed the Whites to snatch a crucial point at the end. 

Arne Slot once again dropped Mohamed Salah to the bench, and the Egyptian remained as an unused substitute. 

Slot explains decision to drop Salah 

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Since joining the Reds in the summer of 2017, Salah has established himself as a club legend, scoring 250 goals for them in all competitions. 

In the 2024-25 campaign, he enjoyed one of his best seasons at the club, scoring 34 goals and providing 23 assists. 

Salah has scored five goals in all competitions this season, but his overall performances have been below par, forcing Slot to drop him. 

The Reds boss explained before the match, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano: “It’s never an easy decision because we all know what a great player he is.

"But it is also up to me to pick the team that I think we need today. That’s why I made the decision”. 

Right decision to drop Salah? 

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Liverpool have won just once in their last five games, and have suffered nine defeats in their past 15 games in all competitions. 

The Reds were not playing well with Salah, and therefore the manager had to take a bold decision, despite knowing what the Egyptian is capable of. 

Moreover, Salah will soon join his national teammates for the AFCON, and Liverpool will have to prepare themselves for a certain period without him.