Imagine the shock of sidelining a Premier League icon like Mohamed Salah for the third consecutive match – that's precisely the bold call Arne Slot has made as Liverpool prepare to clash with Leeds United at Elland Road. This decision raises eyebrows and sparks debates among fans, but Slot stands firm. Let's dive deeper into the story and uncover the rationale behind it all.
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Dec 07, 2025 02:38+09:00
For the upcoming Premier League fixture against Leeds United, Mohamed Salah will once again begin the game on the substitutes' bench, marking his third straight absence from the starting lineup. Liverpool's head coach, Arne Slot, has shared his thoughts on this choice, emphasizing how the Egyptian superstar will be ready to step in if needed during the match at Elland Road. The Reds have managed to secure four points from their last two outings without Salah in the starting eleven, and Slot is betting on a similar positive outcome when facing a Leeds team riding high after their midweek triumph over Chelsea.
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Slot opens up about his choice to keep Salah on the sidelines for the Leeds showdown
In his pre-match comments, Slot discussed why he's opting to have Salah among the reserves yet again, stressing the need to select a squad that matches the specific challenges posed by a confident Leeds side fresh off a win against Chelsea.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Slot explained: 'It's never a simple call, given how exceptional a talent he is. Still, it's my responsibility to assemble the best team for this particular game. That's the reasoning behind my choice.'
Liverpool enters this game sitting in the lower half of the table, but a win could propel them up to as high as fifth place. With Salah poised on the bench, he remains an option for Slot to introduce later and potentially shift the game's momentum.
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Salah steps aside as Slot experiments with a fresh offensive approach
The exclusion of the reigning PFA Player of the Year, Mohamed Salah, from Liverpool's starting eleven in recent matches has allowed Slot to deploy the defensively minded Dominik Szoboszlai on the right flank, a strategy he's repeating for the trip to Elland Road. This shift has added more stability to the Reds' right side, while also unlocking the potential of Florian Wirtz. The 22-year-old German midfielder delivered what many consider his finest performance in a Liverpool jersey during their win at West Ham United last weekend. Shortly after, he thought he'd notched his debut goal for the club against Sunderland at Anfield, but it was controversially credited as an own goal by Nordi Mukiele. (For more on that incident, check out this link: https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/florian-wirtz-brutally-denied-first-liverpool-strike-late-equaliser-sunderland-own-goal/blt16a88fcf810ccace)
But here's where it gets controversial – is sidelining Salah a temporary tweak or a sign of bigger changes ahead? Some speculate this could pave the way for a long-term rotation strategy, especially with the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaching, where Salah will represent Egypt and miss games for Liverpool starting December 15. (Dive into that potential leave here: https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/arne-slot-mohamed-salah-egypt-squad-for-afcon-liverpool-star-west-ham/blt056d28df2cbc0d2e)
Regardless, Slot seems convinced this is the key to turning around Liverpool's fortunes after a tough autumn period. For beginners following football tactics, think of it like a coach adjusting a puzzle: Sometimes you swap pieces to create a stronger picture, even if it means benching a standout element temporarily.
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Slot highlights Salah's exemplary attitude despite the bench role
Slot reflected on Salah's composure after he sat unused on the bench during Liverpool's match at the London Stadium last Sunday. He told reporters it was reasonable to assume the 33-year-old wasn't thrilled about the decision, but that Salah 'managed the situation exceptionally well' – the first time this season he wasn't starting in the league.
Slot elaborated (as reported here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cly5898lrzdo): 'That's a typical response from a player of his caliber, and I mean that respectfully because he's delivered outstanding performances for this club over many years and will continue to do so. He wasn't alone in feeling disappointed about not starting, and that's perfectly natural.
'He's incredibly disciplined – he knows how to maintain his fitness,' Slot continued. 'Regardless of whether he performs brilliantly or faces a tougher day, whether he plays or not, he's always the epitome of a professional, and that's exactly what he demonstrated in the past couple of days.
'Like any top footballer, there are moments when emotions run high, even for someone as accomplished as him. He's netted countless goals for us, and I'm confident he'll add more in the future.'
Slot also touched on the need to build a team that can succeed without Salah, noting his upcoming absence for AFCON, the prestigious continental tournament for African nations that often disrupts club seasons with its January timing.
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Both Salah and Isak relegated to the bench versus Leeds
Salah isn't the only high-profile name warming the pine for this Leeds encounter; Alexander Isak, the Swedish striker, is also starting from the substitutes' area, with Hugo Ekitike leading the attack up front. Slot has a rich array of offensive talents at his disposal, and both Salah and Isak are expected to play crucial roles for the Reds in the weeks and months ahead.
And this is the part most people miss – by benching two of their star attackers, Slot might be signaling a tactical evolution that's more about collective balance than individual brilliance. But is this the smart move for a team struggling in the league? Does it risk alienating icons like Salah and potentially pushing them towards an exit? These decisions can stir heated debates, as fans weigh the short-term gains against long-term loyalty.
What do you think? Is Arne Slot right to bench Salah, or should a player of his stature always start? Do you believe this could lead to Salah leaving Liverpool? Share your opinions in the comments below – agree, disagree, or offer a fresh perspective. Let's discuss!
