Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s decision to bench Mohamed Salah for the second consecutive game has sparked a heated debate among fans on X.
Softfootball understands that the move comes as Liverpool face Sunderland in the Premier League today. Slot attempts to emphasise squad depth and rotation ahead of a congested fixture schedule.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
He said:
Arne Slot on Mo Salah benched for the second game in a row: I think it’s clear we need more than 11 players tonight. Will Mo Salah come on? All the players have a chance to come in and he is one of them
Some X users expressed surprise and frustration at the decision. Aaron Dibert @dibert_aaron questioned the timing, pointing out that league matches are crucial for title races.
He said:
Benching Salah twice in a row is wild. Even if he’s saving him for the Champions League, the league is where titles are won. Just feels off.
Other fans defended Salah, emphasising his quality and potential impact. Azman @Azman3six2 encouraged patience, noting that the striker’s brilliance remains unchanged despite a few quiet games.
He said:
Mohammed Salah is still the great striker player.Trust me, his left special kick makes him the best finisher. it just not his luck in this few matches.Today’s match against Sunderland, he will prove it that he is the greatest player.
Some fans read the benching as a tactical message rather than a reflection on Salah’s ability. Pearls @pearls125992 suggested Slot is making a statement about team hierarchy.
He tweeted:
Wait, this isn’t about tonight.This is Slot sending a message to the whole squad—and specifically to Salah. Benched for two must-win games? The new era starts with a statement: NO ONE is bigger than the system. Is this a genius long-game move, or is he actively destabilizing his best player?
Meanwhile, pragmatic voices like Bonny K @geniuskithuki pointed out the practical side of Slot’s decision as Salah is set to join the Egyptian national team for the African Cup of Nations.
He said
Mo Salah is going to Africa Cup of Nations so it’s good to test the replacement early in advance.
Emifok @ungiofficial summed up the anxiety felt by many fans.
He said:
Bro there’s no way Salah is getting benched two games straight and we’re all supposed to just understand the rotation. This is Mo Salah we’re talking about, not some academy winger. Slot better hope this works out because benching your best player when the season’s heating up is a wild gamble.
Slot’s bold rotation move has clearly divided opinion on X, with some praising his long-term planning while others worry it could disrupt momentum during a crucial phase of the season.
