Former Bolton Wanderers and England coach, Sam Allardyce, has defended Arne Slot, over his decision to leave Mohamed Salah on the bench during Liverpool FC’s 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Salah was an unused substitute throughout the match at the Parc des Princes as Liverpool struggled to find a breakthrough against the French champions.
Speaking to BoyleSports, Allardyce said Slot must put the team first regardless of Salah’s status or the fact that the Egyptian is expected to leave the club.
“I actually think it’s harder for Arne Slot to drop Salah now that everyone knows he’s leaving, but he has to do what he thinks is right for the team as he’s under pressure himself,” Allardyce said.
He added that if Slot believes Salah is no longer making enough impact, then he has every right to make a tough decision.
“If he feels Salah isn’t contributing enough, then – like with everyone else – he needs to make the decision to drop him because he’s the one that carries the can,” he said.
Allardyce also suggested Salah’s confidence may have taken a hit because of his recent struggles in front of goal.
“You can see it in Salah’s face; he can’t believe the chances he’s missing,” he said.
“That one he missed against Manchester City last weekend – 99 times out of 100 in the past he’d score that. He just hesitated that extra second or two, and the defender was able to get the block in. He then missed a penalty in the second half.
“When it gets that bad, it really is a problem for his confidence. That penalty was like a back-pass to the goalkeeper.”
