Slot backs Salah as Liverpool slump after Chelsea defeat

Mohamed Salah's recent dip in form has become a central talking point after Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with manager Arne Slot publicly defending the 33-year-old forward even as questions mount about his finishing, fitness management and how he fits alongside Liverpool's new attacking signings. Salah started on the right wing but finished the game without a goal or assist, missing several chances that might have altered the outcome and contributed to a run of results that has stalled Liverpool's early-season momentum.

Slot said after the match that he remained confident in Salah and stressed that elite players can have off nights. "He has shown throughout his career that he can score goals," the manager said. "Today he had many opportunities to do what he has done so often but he is a human being." Slot also suggested that being rested for Liverpool's midweek Champions League defeat to Galatasaray may have affected Salah's sharpness, while expressing belief that Salah will build a better understanding with new centre forwards such as Alexander Isak as they play together more.

Statistically, Salah's output this season is modest compared with...