Arne Slot explains why he didn’t bring on Mohamed Salah vs PSG
Image Credits: Imago Images
Arne Slot’s Liverpool were second best from the first whistle at the Parc des Princes, with PSG taking control early and never really letting go.
Desire Doue’s deflected opener on 11 minutes set the tone, before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia danced through a series of half‑challenges to make it 2‑0 midway through the second half.
The scoreline actually flattered Liverpool, with Giorgi Mamardashvili making several important saves and PSG striking the woodwork as the Reds clung on.
Slot’s side failed to register a single shot on target all night – a damning statistic in a Champions League quarter-final and the kind of performance that leaves them with a serious mountain to climb in the return leg at Anfield next week.
Given that lack of threat, many fans were stunned to see Mohamed Salah remain rooted to the bench for the full 90 minutes. Social media was awash with questions before full-time, with plenty of Liverpool supporters simply unable to understand why the 33-year-old was not given an opportunity.
Arne Slot, speaking in his post-match press conference, explained that he felt Salah would be better rested than coming on and defending his own box for the last 25 minutes
“This was a 20-25 minutes where we were only defending, and Mo has many qualities, but he would have been forced to defend inside his own box for 20 or 25 minutes,” Slot said as quoted by Beanyman Sports.
“I think it’s better to save his energy for the upcoming matches in the coming weeks.”
Whether fans accept that reasoning is another matter, especially with the tie now dangerously poised ahead of the second leg. Liverpool must produce one of those famous Anfield European nights just to level the scores, and they will surely need Salah on the pitch and firing if they are to overturn PSG’s advantage.
Aren Slot explains why he didn’t bring Mo Salah on against PSG pic.twitter.com/qzCExKVXnM
— BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) April 8, 2026