Liverpool star Mohamed Salah continued his impressive run of form at the AFCON this week.
Prior to the tournament getting underway, the 33-year-old returned to Arne Slot’s squad and provided an assist in a win over Brighton and Hove Albion.
Since linking up with Egypt, meanwhile, we have seen the Liverpool talent firmly back to his best.
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PROVE ME WRONG: FSG need to get rid of Slot and do EVERYTHING they can to keep Salah!
Mohamed Salah prior to Manchester City FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Credit: Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
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Salah made history in a group match with a crucial goal in a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe.
He then scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over South Africa to ensure his side qualified for the Round of 16.
The forward was left on the bench against Angola, given Egypt were already into the knockout phase, but returned to the team on January 5 to find the back of the net for the third time in as many matches.
FSG were wrong to stick with Arne Slot after Mohamed Salah outburst
This impressive run of goal contributions, four in four for club and country, comes on the back of Salah hitting out at Liverpool in a mixed zone interview following the 3-3 draw with Leeds United.
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It seemed pretty clear that the player was making a statement after being benched for three games in a row, with it looking like the club needed to pick between their current manager and one of their all-time top goalscorers.
However, reports emerged shortly after the interview that FSG were backing Slot despite Salah’s comments.
A noble stance, perhaps, as in most cases, one player should not be able to dictate who sits in the dugout.
However, it has become pretty clear that FSG should have listened to Salah and parted ways with the Dutchman.
Gut feeling, has Mohamed Salah played his last game for Liverpool? If yes, how do you feel about it?
421 appearances
250 goals
114 assists
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Liverpool could still keep Mohamed Salah
The player is under contract at Anfield until 2027, but it is being reported that Salah could leave in 2026.
Losing their MVP simply because they want to show support for Slot is short-sighted, as it seems obvious that the manager will be gone in the summer anyway.
So, given Salah is proving he can still perform for club and country, why not make a change in the dugout now and keep their star man happy?
A long-term solution may not be found until the summer, but appointing an interim boss like Steven Gerrard could be an ideal situation for everyone involved.
If Liverpool were actually playing well in his absence, it might be a different story, but their attacking output since he left for the AFCON has been nothing short of dire.
But at present, it looks like the Reds are going to lose their best player and stick with a manager who is showing no signs he can turn this ship around.
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