Liverpool boss Arne Slot has admitted that star forward Mohamed Salah is not performing at his usual world-class level — but he insists there’s a team-wide reason behind the Egyptian’s dip in form.Salah has managed three goals and three assists in nine appearances this season — decent numbers for most wingers, but well below the incredible standards he set last campaign, when he scored 34 goals and provided 23 assists across all competitions.In fact, the Egyptian has only found the back of the net five times in his last 20 matches, a surprising statistic for a player known for his ruthless consistency.When asked about Salah’s form, Slot explained that the issue goes beyond individual performance — pointing to a tactical and systemic change within the team.> “It’s similar to the second part of last season,” Slot explained. “He scored 12 goals then, but only six were from open play. The rest came from penalties and set-pieces. The difference now is how teams approach us. They’ve learned to defend deeper and avoid risky build-up play.”Slot highlighted how clubs like Manchester United have adjusted their style against Liverpool — playing long passes instead of trying to build from the back — which limits the Reds’ chances to press and score from transitions.> “That’s one of the main reasons it’s harder for us to score from open play,” the Dutch coach added. “Mo is part of that pattern, just like Florian or Cody. It’s something we’re constantly working on.”The Liverpool boss also pointed to the club’s tactical shift this season — transitioning from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 formation — as part of the adjustment. The change allows for a creative No.10, like Florian Wirtz, but has temporarily reduced the team’s attacking fluidity.Despite the struggles, Slot remains confident the team will rediscover their rhythm:> “As we continue to grow into this new setup, things will improve. It’s just taking time to connect the pieces.”While some fans have expressed frustration over Salah’s recent performances, Slot’s explanation suggests the problem lies more in Liverpool’s evolving structure than in Salah himself.
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