“I could come up with five or six more reasons” for low output, says manager
Liverpool coach Arne Slot has defended Mohamed Salah’s poor form in front of goal this season.
The winger has scored six goals in all competitions so far this season and only one in his last 12 games, a far cry from his usual output. But Slot said the lack of goals was not down to the Egypt international alone.
“There could be multiple reasons for that,” said Slot. “It could be the opponent is even more aware of his threat after such a great season last season, or having so many different right-backs behind him for the whole season has influenced that dynamic. I could come up with five or six more reasons.
“What I do see is that, in general, the team generates just as many chances as we did last season. The team has the most ball possession in the league. I also see us being able to bring our forwards, and not only Mo, into very promising positions in many games. So it will be a combination of factors.
“Even last season Mo had a period where he scored seven in four games, I think, and then five or six games where he didn’t score, so let’s see where he is at the end of the season when it comes to goals and assists.”
Liverpool’s manager also praised Ibrahima Konate for his improved form in recent weeks, while adding that he had always seen good performances from the defender even when he has made errors this season.
“Ibou has had a very good spell recently,” said Slot. “He had a lot of good games earlier in the season but then he was also part of the reason why we conceded a goal.
“His general performances were good but then a small mistake he made immediately led to a goal and so he was judged differently. But he is having a very good partnership with Virgil since I’ve been here and, just like Virgil, he has always been fit.”
The manager said the player could sign a new contract in coming weeks with Liverpool having opened negotiations. Konate’s contract expires at the end of the season.
“We are in talks with him so that tells you what we want,” said Slot. “It’s clear we would like him to stay but negotiations are ongoing so let’s see where that ends. We wouldn’t be in negotiations if we didn’t want him to stay.”
