Former Liverpool player Mark Gonzalez believes something has happened behind the scenes between Arne Slot and Mohamed Salah. He claims that the Egyptian’s form has been affected by the issues, rather than a change in tactics.
Salah has been subpar by the standards he has set, and the Egyptian has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer. He has managed just 16 goal contributions this season, compared to 44 last season.
Speaking to Flash Score, Gonzalez said that he does not wish to see the 33-year-old leave the club at the end of the season. He believes the winger remains a key player for the Reds, and the difference is clear whenever he is not playing.
Salah’s comments on Liverpool and Arne Slot recalled
Gonzalez recalled Salah’s comments from earlier this season, saying that the winger was unhappy with the Dutchman’s treatment. He claimed that the lashing out at the manager could also be a key reason for the slump, adding that players do not tend to do well on the pitch when they have issues with the coach.
“For Salah, with his performances lately, something clearly happened with Slot a few months ago. Remember that he wanted to leave, and he wasn’t in games, and stuff like that. I know that there are many things that happen when you have problems with the coach. That affects your performance, and we don’t know what’s happening behind the doors.
Gonzalez believes that the forward has still not mended things with Slot, despite the two having spoken in December before the Egyptian left for AFCON. He claims that the two are still not looking eye to eye and said:
“A lot is going on with the environment, and there is pressure. That kind of situation affects performance. I think mentally he’s not happy, and that’s why we’re not seeing his usual level. Even a small issue in your mind can affect you. I think there’s something not right between them.”
The 41-year-old went on to name Salah as his favorite player in the Liverpool squad. He hailed the former Chelsea man for his mentality and skills, saying he will always do whatever it takes to turn the results in the Reds’ favor. He said:
Gonzalez warns Liverpool about Slot sacking
Gonzalez has warned Liverpool that they need to be careful about replacing Arne Slot. He admitted that things are not looking good for the Duthcman this season, but he believes that timing is everything for a coach.
The former Real Betis player added the manager is still good enough for the club and said:
“Liverpool is a huge club – they’re not going to bring in just anyone. Sometimes things work, sometimes they don’t. Football is like a roulette. You can bring in the best coach, and it still might not work. That doesn’t make him a bad coach.
“Maybe he leaves and succeeds somewhere else. It’s different players, different environment, different pressure… and Liverpool brings huge pressure. Right now, it’s just not working for him.”
Slot will be entering the final year of his contract in the summer.
