Liverpool boss Slot backs Salah to end goal drought

Arne Slot stated on Friday that the "least of his concerns" is Mohamed Salah regaining his goal-scoring form after the Liverpool forward's goal drought stretched to six matches.

The Egyptian star has not found the net in the Premier League from open play since the season's first match and was left out of the starting lineup during Liverpool’s 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League earlier this week.

He was substituted late in Liverpool's 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Anfield last weekend after squandering two significant opportunities while the home side was urgently seeking to level the score.

Liverpool's manager Slot, whose squad is set to meet Brentford on Saturday, expressed uncertainty regarding Salah's difficulties, despite the fact that the player had secured the Premier League Golden Boot last season.

"In general, in football, players miss opportunities, and Mo is just like any other human," he remarked at his pre-match news conference on Friday.

"We're not accustomed to him missing chances, especially not over consecutive games, but these situations can occur."

However, the Dutch manager expressed assurance that Salah, who has netted only two Premier League goals in eight games this season, would find his scoring touch again.

"My primary concern is not about Mo starting to score goals again," he mentioned.

"Because that’s been his lifelong skill, and I anticipate him to perform that way in the upcoming weeks and months for our team as well."

Last season, Liverpool dominated the Premier League and invested about £450 million ($600 million) on new acquisitions during the summer transfer window.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold's transfer to Real Madrid and a series of injuries, multiple players have filled the right-back position, including midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.

Slot acknowledged that his squad is taking time to adapt, including Salah, who operates on the right flank of Liverpool's offense at the age of 33.

“He's frequently found himself in good positions to score, but perhaps with Trent even more so—I'm not certain," he commented.

"However, I think generally, for all players, when there are numerous changes in your team during the summer, it takes time for everyone to rebuild their connections, and that process usually unfolds in this manner."

“Mo is not excluded from this reality.”

Having begun the season with seven consecutive victories across all competitions, Liverpool has now suffered three defeats in their latest Premier League games and currently sits fourth in the standings, trailing leaders Arsenal by four points.

Jeremie Frimpong and goalkeeper Alisson Becker will miss the match against Brentford due to hamstring injuries, while Slot is awaiting further news on Alexander Isak, who experienced a groin injury during the week, as well as midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.

@VanguardNews