Forget Salah — These 5 Liverpool Stars Have Faced Even Harsher Treatment Under Arne Slot

Mohamed Salah sparked headlines after confessing his frustration with being left on the bench during Liverpool’s 3–3 draw with Leeds United on December 6. The forward admitted he was “shocked” to sit out the full match, suggesting it was unlike anything he had experienced in his career and hinting that the club had “thrown him under the bus.”

But while Salah’s complaints have dominated the conversation, his situation is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. Several other Liverpool players have quietly endured questionable decisions and reduced roles under Arne Slot — and their stories paint an even more complicated picture of the manager’s handling of the squad.

Salah, who has been a monumental figure at Anfield since arriving from Roma in 2017, helped deliver countless goals, trophies, and unforgettable nights. His revival under Jürgen Klopp cemented him as a club legend. Even in Slot’s first season, his form helped push Liverpool to a second Premier League title. But he is no longer viewed as untouchable — and he’s not alone in feeling sidelined.

Here are five Liverpool players who many believe have been treated unfairly by the new boss:

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1. Andy Robertson

Despite being regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest left-backs, Robertson has found himself pushed aside after the arrivals of Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. Kerkez’s inconsistent displays have left many supporters questioning why Robertson — experienced, reliable, and still performing at a high level — has featured in barely 20% of league games this season.

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2. Jarell Quansah

Sold to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, Quansah’s exit raised several eyebrows. The young centre-back had shown promise and even earned an England cap, yet Slot never fully trusted him. His early-season half-time substitution against Ipswich Town appeared to mark the end of his opportunities. Ironically, Thomas Tuchel’s admiration of the defender suggests Liverpool may have let him go far too soon.

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3. Wataru Endo

The Japanese midfielder became a vital presence under Klopp, offering grit and balance in midfield. But since Slot’s arrival, Endo has barely featured — only 242 minutes across all competitions. With Liverpool conceding goals at an alarming rate and lacking a true defensive midfielder, many fans cannot understand why Endo isn’t being used more frequently.

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4. Federico Chiesa

Chiesa has been one of the few bright sparks during Liverpool’s disjointed season. Energetic, fearless, and capable of changing games, the Italian winger has made the most of his limited minutes. Yet Slot continues to overlook him. Even after earning praise for a heroic goal-line clearance against Sunderland, Chiesa remains outside the manager’s core plans — much to the dismay of supporters.

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5. Harvey Elliott

Once viewed as a long-term midfield star, Elliott has slipped down the pecking order. Last season he barely reached 800 minutes of game time. Despite his desire to fight for a place, Slot preferred several other midfielders ahead of him, leading to a deadline-day loan move to Aston Villa. Slot has even admitted he’s had minimal communication with the youngster — something many fans found surprising.

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While Salah’s discontent continues to dominate headlines, these five cases highlight a broader pattern. Under Slot’s leadership, several loyal and talented players have found themselves pushed aside, raising major questions about how Liverpool’s new era is being managed.