Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised the discipline and professionalism of star Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, while also speaking about the reigning champion's latest preparations for tomorrow's match against Sunderland in the 14th round of the English Premier League. Liverpool returned to winning form, which had been absent in the previous two league stages, after securing a 2-0 clean-sheet victory over West Ham United the day before yesterday, Sunday. The match, held at the Olympic Stadium in the British capital London, saw Salah remain on the bench until the end of the game. Slot made the surprising decision to leave Salah, the team's top scorer, out of the Liverpool starting lineup. Perhaps his decision was a response to calls from many to exclude the 'Pharaohs' captain, who led the red team to the English league title last season—a season in which he also won the top scorer and best playmaker awards in the prestigious competition—after a dip in his form this season. Against West Ham, Slot relied on Swedish striker Alexander Isak, German Florian Wirtz, and Dutch Cody Gakpo, before bringing in French forward Hugo Ekitike for Isak in the second half, while Salah stayed on the bench. Liverpool, which had lost to Manchester City and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, entered the West Ham match after suffering 9 defeats in their last 12 matches across all competitions. Notably, they had suffered 7 defeats in their previous six Premier League matches. Salah's dip in form was a hallmark of this losing streak, as he failed to score in his last four matches, having scored only 4 league goals throughout the season. When asked if Salah would be ready for the Sunderland match, Slot described him as 'disciplined and a high-class professional.' Speaking about the 'Egyptian Pharaoh,' he said, 'It's natural for a player of his quality and efficiency to feel disappointed when he misses a match.' Slot added at today's press conference, 'Salah has been a fantastic player for this club for many years and will continue to be so in the future. I don't follow social media, so I'm not aware of it, but I'm not stupid, and I know there are abuses.' He revealed, 'Abuse is certainly not a good thing. As for Mohamed, he is very disciplined and knows what he needs to do to maintain his fitness.' Regarding Salah's departure for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with his national team, Slot replied, 'That will happen in the middle of this month. He wasn't the only one unhappy about not starting.' The Liverpool manager clarified, 'His behavior is what you expect from a professional player. The same goes for Alex (Alexander Isak).' He added, 'He told me yesterday he felt some muscle tightness, so we'll see how he trains today.' As for Sunderland, who are currently sixth in the standings with 22 points, Slot said, 'They have signed many new players and started the season very well.' He noted, 'I watched the Chelsea vs. Arsenal game; it was a high-level match. I was aware of Sunderland's win over Chelsea at their home and their draw with Arsenal. What I know and what I feel is the support I get from the fans in the stadium. Their style of play, the risks they take, all 11 players are putting in a great effort to achieve a positive result.' Slot did not overlook the issue of abuse directed at team members on social media, saying, 'It's natural that we get criticized, even when we win, I think that happens. They are cheering for the team, but they are also cheering for me.'
