Pressure Mounts on Slot as Calls to Drop Salah Intensify
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is facing immense pressure ahead of his team's trip to face West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday. The Reds are in a dire run of form, having suffered three consecutive defeats, leading to passionate calls for change, including from former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan.
On his talkSPORT show, Jordan was scathing in his assessment of the team's recent performances and singled out Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah for particular criticism. Jordan insisted that the winger, alongside Ibrahima Konate and Milos Kerkez, should be immediately dropped from the starting line-up.
Jordan's Blunt Verdict on Liverpool's Struggles
The midweek 4-1 Champions League hammering by PSV at Anfield followed a 3-0 Premier League loss to Nottingham Forest, creating a storm of criticism around the club. Jordan believes Slot must now make ruthless decisions to spark a reaction from his squad.
"Where he has to answer questions is he went with Salah, went with Konate and went with Kerkez and there’s an argument that all three of those should have been dropped," Jordan stated. He suggested that Joe Gomez and a "chomping at the bit" Andy Robertson were ready-made replacements.
Focusing on Salah's form, Jordan described him as an "eternal riddle" and declared: "He needs to be hoicked. We might well see that in the next game. He needs to get a reaction from the playing squad." Jordan also defended Virgil van Dijk, attributing his perceived decline to playing in a "dysfunctional unit" not helped by Konate's poor form.
Salah's Record Offers a Glimmer of Hope
Dropping Salah represents a major gamble for Slot, not least because of the player's formidable record against this weekend's opponents. Despite managing just four Premier League goals this season compared to 29 in the title-winning previous campaign, Salah has tormented West Ham.
In 18 matches across all competitions against the Hammers, Salah has scored 13 goals. Last season alone, he was directly involved in five goals, scoring twice and providing three assists in their three meetings.
The match takes on even greater significance with West Ham beginning to find their footing under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo. The Hammers are unbeaten in their last three matches, including a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth last weekend, and have had a full week to prepare for Liverpool's visit.
When asked if a poor result could end Slot's tenure, Jordan concluded that the performance would be the true indicator, suggesting a battling, resolute display could buy the manager more time, even in defeat.
