Slot has every right to make tactical decisions, but the question is whether he handled the situation correctly. Historically, Salah has been able to get away with not tracking back due to Trent Alexander-Arnold's presence behind him. However, with Alexander-Arnold no longer in the team, Salah's defensive responsibilities have increased, and his form has suffered as a result.

Looking at the numbers, Liverpool's performance has improved when Salah is not in the starting lineup. In the Premier League since the defeat to Crystal Palace, the team has collected five points when Salah doesn't start, compared to three points when he does.

It's a difficult situation for both parties. Salah is contracted to the club for another 18 months and was likely to leave next summer anyway. Slot, on the other hand, is under pressure to deliver results, and a loss of his job is a possibility.

A complete reset seems like the best option for the team, with both parties having the opportunity to move on and start fresh. This could be a chance for the club to re-evaluate their strategy and find a new direction, and for Salah to find a new team where he can thrive.

Ultimately, the decision lies with the club, but it's clear that both parties have valid points. It's a sad situation, but it may be the best thing for the team's future.

What did Salah say?

Salah spoke at length about his relationship with Slot and the club, stating that he felt he was being used as a scapegoat for the team's poor form. He mentioned that he had done a lot for the club and was disappointed to be benched, feeling that someone was trying to blame him for the team's struggles.

He also mentioned that he had told his parents to attend the game against Brighton on December 13th, as it might be his farewell match with the team.

Was Slot right to drop Salah?

Slot has every right to make tactical decisions, but the question is whether he handled the situation correctly. Historically, Salah has been able to get away with not tracking back due to Alexander-Arnold's presence behind him. However, with Alexander-Arnold no longer in the team, Salah's defensive responsibilities have increased, and his form has suffered as a result.

Slot's decision to drop Salah may have been based on form, but it's also clear that the team's performance has improved when Salah is not in the starting lineup.

What are the numbers saying?

Salah and Liverpool started the season well, beating Bournemouth 4-2 in their first Premier League game. However, the cracks began to show, and the team relied too heavily on individual moments of magic. Since the defeat to Crystal Palace, Liverpool have lost nine games, drawn two, and won three, with Salah starting nine of those games, including two of the three wins.

Across the Premier League since the defeat to Palace, Liverpool have collected just three points when Salah starts, compared to five when he doesn't. It's not a huge difference, but Slot's side is performing better without Salah in the lineup.

Verdict

It's a sad situation, but a complete reset seems like the best option for the team. Both parties have valid points, and it may be the best thing for the team's future.