Arne Slot has opened up on his thinking behind dropping Mohamed Salah to the bench for Liverpool's game with West Ham.
The Egyptian star was named among the substitutes for the game at the London Stadium, with Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak starting in attack. It comes as Liverpool tries to arrest its dismal recent run, having been beaten 4-1 by PSV in the Champions League in midweek at Anfield.
Slot also recalled Joe Gomez to his team, with Dominik Szoboszlai reverting to his favored midfield position, having deputized at full back in midweek, while Ibrahima Konate keeps his place in defense.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Slot said: "We play four games in 10 days. I have many good players and today, I chose a different line up.
"Sometimes Florian and Alex have been on the bench. It is also about the players who start and that is the 11 I chose."
On the reintroduction of Gomez, Slot added: "We have conceded far too many goals. That isn't about the right-back position, everyone is involved, but with Joe we bring in a full back who is normally a center back.
"After conceding 10 goals, I have decided to play with four real defenders, where in the past we have played with midfielders.
Mohamed Salah looking dejected during Liverpool's Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield
Mohamed Salah has been poor this season (Image: Getty Images)
"Curtis and Dom have done a more than acceptable job in that position but Joe is someone who has played that position many times during his career.
Slot's decision comes after Wayne Rooney called on the Liverpool boss to drop Salah, with the Reds talisman struggling this season since signing a bumper new deal in the summer.
Rooney said recently: "If I was Slot, I'd try and make a big decision just so it has an impact on the rest of the team," said Rooney in a podcast episode. "Salah is not helping them defensively.
"If you're one of the players who they've signed and you're on the bench and you've seen him not running - and again he's a club legend and everything he's done for the club - but if you're on the bench, then what message does that send to you?"