Bold Decision: Salah on the Bench for the Fourth Time Under Klopp’s Successor

Liverpool’s lineup for their clash against Eintracht Frankfurt featured a major surprise: Egyptian international star Mohamed Salah was named among the substitutes.

This daring move by Dutch coach Arne Slut marks the second consecutive Champions League match where Salah starts from the bench, raising questions about the “Pharaoh’s” role under the new manager.

The match, held at Deutsche Bank Park for the third round of the Champions League group stage, is crucial, with both Liverpool and Frankfurt holding just three points each from one win and one loss, making the result decisive for group qualification.

Salah’s Bench Appearances Under Slut

This is the fourth occasion overall that Salah has been on the bench under Slut, highlighting a notable shift in handling the team’s star player:

• September 25, 2024: vs. West Ham, EFL Cup 2024–25 Round 3

• October 30, 2024: vs. Brighton, EFL Cup 2024–25 Round 4

• September 30, 2025: vs. Galatasaray, Champions League 2025–26 Round 2

• October 22, 2025: vs. Frankfurt, Champions League 2025–26 Round 3

Repeated benching in major competitions, especially the Champions League, suggests Slut may have tactical plans that do not require Salah as a starter, or it could be a strategy to rest him and preserve energy for the congested season ahead.

Criticism and Form Concerns

Salah’s benching follows a difficult period, including criticism after Liverpool’s recent Premier League defeat to Manchester United (2-1), where he failed to deliver expected performances and missed key scoring chances.

Slut’s decision may serve to shield Salah from media and fan pressure or send a tactical message that starting spots are earned through performance and adherence to match plans.

Youth Integration and Squad Depth

The rise of young talent, such as Alvin Ayman in Liverpool’s youth Champions League win against Frankfurt, provides Slut with more attacking options, increasing internal competition. Reports also indicate Bayern Munich’s interest in a potential Salah replacement, signaling that Liverpool is already considering future offensive alternatives while Salah remains under contract.

Fans will now watch closely to see if Salah’s second-half entry can swing the game, reaffirming that the Egyptian star can still make a decisive impact even as a substitute.

This match represents a key test for Slut’s match management and the ability of bench players to influence critical outcomes in Europe’s top competitions.