Champions League: Allardyce Backs Slot’s Decision To Drop Salah

Former Bolton Manager Sam Allardyce believes that Slot should prioritise results over reputation, and supports the manager’s bold decision to bench Salah.

Speaking to BOYLE Sports, Allardyce said: “I actually think it’s harder for Arne Slot to drop Mohamed Salah now that everyone knows he’s leaving, but he has to do what he thinks is right for the team as he’s under pressure himself.

“If he feels Salah isn’t contributing enough, then – like with everyone else – he needs to make the decision to drop him because he’s the one that carries the can. You can see it in Salah’s face; he can’t believe the chances he’s missing.

“That one he missed against Manchester City last weekend – 99 times out of 100 in the past he’d score that. He just hesitated that extra second or two, and the defender was able to get the block in. He then missed a penalty in the second half. When it gets that bad, it really is a problem for his confidence. That penalty was like a back-pass to the goalkeeper.”

The concern for Liverpool is that this dip in form appears to be more than a temporary blip. Allardyce noted that the trademark goals fans have come to expect – specifically Salah’s ability to cut inside and find the top corner – have largely dried up this season.

“He’s not in the goalscoring frame of mind and unfortunately, it’s lasted a long, long time,” he added.

“That move where he cuts in on his left-hand side and bends it in the top corner, I think I’ve only seen that once or twice this season – you used to see 10 of them each year.”