Liverpool’s 2025-26 season has hit a rough patch, with back-to-back losses to Crystal Palace in the Premier League and Galatasaray in the Champions League, followed by a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on October 4. 24 The Reds, who clinched the Premier League title last season, now find themselves trailing Arsenal by a point heading into the international break.
At the center of the storm is Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian King whose form has dipped dramatically. With three goals and three assists in nine appearances, he’s far from the unstoppable force who racked up 34 goals and 23 assists en route to the title. 30 33 Is it finally time for head coach Arne Slot to bench his talisman and shake up the squad?
Salah’s Struggles: A Shadow of His Former Self
Salah, now 33, has been Liverpool’s go-to guy for years, becoming the club’s third-highest all-time goalscorer behind only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt. 28 But this season, opponents have adapted to Liverpool’s dominance, parking the bus and doubling up on the right winger, limiting his space and service. 22 Against Chelsea, Salah’s woeful finishing was a key factor in the loss—lashing a shot wide from a Florian Wirtz flick and struggling with just 35 touches in 90 minutes. 24 Slot himself has admitted Salah is “out of form” by his lofty standards, blaming tactical shifts from rivals who now treat Liverpool as favorites rather than underdogs. 35
Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has gone further, questioning if age is catching up to Salah after lackluster displays, like against Arsenal where his touch deserted him in key moments. 21 23 Hamann urges Slot to rest him occasionally, especially with integration issues alongside new signings like Hugo Ekitike, where Salah admitted they’re still building chemistry. 23 Fans on X are echoing this frustration, with calls to bench Salah in favor of in-form options like Federico Chiesa, who’s notched four goals and assists in just 153 minutes. 38 9 One supporter lamented, “Arne Slot needs to start making tough decisions,” highlighting Salah’s persistence despite poor output. 37
Slot’s Rotation Dilemma: Risks and Rewards
Slot has already experimented with resting Salah, benching him for the Champions League clash against Galatasaray due to squad rotation amid a packed schedule. 17 20 He justified it as necessary to manage fatigue before big games like Chelsea, but the decision backfired in Istanbul, with Liverpool struggling to create chances without their star. 18 Slot’s philosophy emphasizes utilizing the depth from summer signings like Alexander Isak (£125m), Florian Wirtz (£116m), and Ekitike (£69m), but the attack looks disjointed. 23 25
Liverpool’s summer overhaul—over £450m spent—aims for unpredictability, with Wirtz in the No. 10 role potentially benefiting Salah long-term. But short-term, the three-game losing streak has Slot feeling the heat, marking his worst run as boss. 24 Critics like Jamie Carragher suggest bolder changes elsewhere, but the spotlight remains on Salah’s “undroppable” status. 19 As one X user put it, Slot must “rest Salah” and start Chiesa to turn things around. 16
Alternatives on the Wing: Time for Fresh Blood?
With Chiesa firing in limited minutes and young talents like 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha knocking on the door after his debut winner against Newcastle, Slot has options. 21 9 Isak and Gakpo have shown flashes, but the right flank needs dynamism. Dropping Salah—even temporarily—could spark the team, forcing opponents to adjust and giving the veteran time to recharge. Hamann believes Salah remains a match-winner, but rotation is key to avoid burnout. 21
Slot’s insistence on sticking with Salah despite the dip risks alienating fans and derailing the title defense. X posts demand Chiesa starts and Salah comes off the bench, reflecting growing unrest. 13 4
The Verdict: Bold Moves or Blind Loyalty?
Yes, it’s time for Arne Slot to make the tough call and drop Mohamed Salah from the starting XI—at least for a game or two. His experience is invaluable, but propping up an out-of-sorts star amid Liverpool’s attacking woes could prove costly. With depth from big-money buys and hungry youngsters, rotation isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. Slot’s already hinted at more changes post-Chelsea loss. 18 Fans deserve a team firing on all cylinders, not one clinging to past glories. If Slot acts decisively, Liverpool could rebound stronger. Otherwise, this nightmare streak might just continue. YNWA.
