Mohamed Salah is once again on the bench for Liverpool against Sunderland
Mohamed Salah is once again on the bench for Liverpool against Sunderland
Arne Slot has explained why he has once again named on the bench for Liverpool’s clash against Sunderland. The Egypt international was left on the bench for the entire 90 minutes of the win at West Ham on Sunday.
It was the first time Salah had not been in a Premier League starting line-up since April 2024. However, the Reds went on to win 2-0 at the London Stadium thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo.
Slot admitted on Tuesday that the 33-year-old did not appreciate being omitted but had produced the model response.
And speaking to Sky Sports before the game against the Black Cats, Slot said: "Yeah Milos was already, he left the pitch with cramp so already he was far above what he usually does in the games so we thought it was too big of a risk to start him tonight so that's why Robbo starts.
“For the rest, I play the same team. Yeah it's always a balance between do you want continuity after a win or do you need fresh players.
“I think it's obvious and clear that we need more than eleven players tonight because a few of them who start are probably not able to play 90.
“Again, maybe more than ever, we need more than eleven players. All the players that are on the bench have a chance to come on and Mo is definitely one of them.
“We all know what he can do for this team. I think Sunderland is a team that's really intense in every phase of the game so we need to be top over the course of 90 minutes and like I just said, we need more than eleven players tonight.
Arne Slot speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Liverpool's game against Sunderland
“And it's a good thing that we have players like Mo, like Federico Chiesa, and Curtis Jones and all the others available on the bench.
"We didn't have a long conversation, this time and also not the one before West Ham. We spoke a lot after the Frankfurt game and now not as much as that time.
“I think he reacts like you want a top professional to react and that is he trained really hard and good the day after the game at West Ham and trained good yesterday, he's really positive towards his team-mates.
“In that sense, he's an example, he's been an example to all those players when he plays and now he's an example when he doesn't play."
Blood Red - November 2025 issue on sale now
Dive into the heart of Liverpool FC with Blood Red, the ECHO’s monthly magazine packed with exclusive interviews, expert analysis, and nostalgic stories. This edition features The Coral’s James Skelly on his love for the Reds, Chris Kirkland’s powerful mental health journey, and David James’ take on Alisson’s place among LFC legends.
undefined
Plus, tactical insights from Andy Dunn and Andrew Beasley, Kop banner creator Peter Carney, and interviews with celebrity fans Chris McAusland and Will Arnett. The ultimate read for every Liverpool supporter.