Liverpool’s emphatic 5-1 victory in Frankfurt should have been all about the response, but Mo Salah’s post-match reaction has sparked questions just days before our next fixture.
For the first time since joining us in 2017, the Egyptian forward was named on the bench for back-to-back Champions League games.
Our No.11 eventually replaced Hugo Ekitike in the 74th minute with the score already at 5-1 – yet it was what happened after full-time that drew the attention of Mail Sport’s Lewis Steele, who reported on X:
“Mo Salah straight down the tunnel at FT. Loads and loads of positives to take from tonight for Liverpool but he looked in a strop.”
Salah reaction raises questions before Brentford
His brief cameo produced decent numbers – 0.42 expected goals (xG), three shots, two on target – but no goal to show for it.
SofaScore’s data showed two big chances missed, and perhaps more tellingly, an air of frustration that matched his mood.
It comes at a time when even Jamie Carragher has suggested that Salah should no longer be considered a “guaranteed starter”, a view that’s divided supporters.
The forward’s decision to shoot rather than square to Florian Wirtz late on, denying the German his first Liverpool goal, only intensified debate around his current mindset.
That missed moment carried weight. Wirtz had already provided two assists and looked back to his creative best after a slow start to life at Anfield.
A goal would have capped off a night where the 22-year-old showed exactly why Liverpool invested £116 million in him.
Liverpool balance form, fitness and frustration
Our head coach Arne Slot has plenty to manage. Rotation is essential after a gruelling start to the season, but handling elite personalities like Salah’s requires care.
With upcoming crucial matches, the images of him storming down the tunnel will raise eyebrows on Merseyside.
Still, this shouldn’t overshadow a superb team display that featured goals from Ekitike, Van Dijk, Konate, Gakpo and Szoboszlai.
The win ended a four-game losing streak and reminded everyone that we’re still capable of blowing sides away in Europe.
It was, other than an injury to Jeremie Frimpong, a perfect night on the pitch – though this event may now see the headlines focus elsewhere.
Our next test comes against Brentford and all eyes will be on whether Salah returns to the starting XI.
You can view the Salah story via @LewisSteele_ on X:
Mo Salah straight down the tunnel at FT. Loads and loads of positives to take from tonight for Liverpool but he looked in a strop
— Lewis Steele (@LewisSteele_) October 22, 2025
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Mo Salah needs a kick in the butt!
He hasn’t been producing since the second half of last season. Most of his goals are from spot kicks.
Liverpool definitely look better without him.
Every single person has an off-day. The man’s been more mentally hurt by Diogo Jota’s death than you or me. Yes Liverpool should rest him, but if you all listen to the likes of Jamie Carragher, you have no hope. The man is a total muppet. Come on you Reds… Super Mo
I’m thrilled by the resurgence of the Reds. A balanced team with players playing in positions where they excelled. Well done.
Salah needs to adapt to the changing game plan and be a team playes. Wirtz is coming alive. The tactics and strategy worked.
Agree since the PSG game that Salah been battling, but Salah is Salah. Our champion player and our match winner over and over… he’s going through a difficult moment but he’s too good; he’ll be back. I trust him. You’ll never walk alone… Mo Salah Mo Salah running down the wing… love you Salah
He needs to play others in the game. On Sunday he didn’t square it to Wirtz and yesterday he did the same. Salah must know that he is still a great player if he just provides assists not scoring himself all the time.
Agreed that Salah has reached his peak and he must realise football is a team sport. His lack of passing to players in goalscoring opportunities sucks. What will make him great again is for him to come in 15 minutes before the game ends. Maybe he is fatigued and needs rest
I’m sure knows the score.
He’s a professional, highly intelligent, humble and talented player and human being and will rightly take his place as one of LFC’s greatest.
His dip in form (a temporary one, I’m sure) has come at an opportune moment.
There’s no need to get too sentimental about it (StevenC), or angry about it (Lk).
Arne’s got to give the newbies playing time, they are the future.
It’s also common sense to give Mo’ a back seat for a few weeks so he’s fresher (and uninjured) for his international commitments.
He’ll come back in the New Year and probably get used as an impact sub.
Federico and the other front lads will do a grand job.
It’s all part of the rolling system of a footballer’s career.
Rest Salah, so that he can learn team work and the mandate of team coach to make selection IX⚽
I read all comments today,and everyone says the same thing. To rest Mo Sala and I insist he should be on the sideline.
A good job you insist, Peter.
Arne was stuck in a terrible dilemma over it.
Slot got lucky again. Frankfurt just hopeless, worst team I’ve seen play in Champions League. Chiesa should have started before Isak. Salah needs to get a grip and start justifying the king’s ransom he’s getting paid instead of storming off.
Back to Slot though… he didn’t know what to do against the scum and was completely outthought tactically by Amorim. The man will cost us in the end. Frimpong and Kerkez are terrible signings and the jury’s out on Isak
You sound very angry, Nay10.
Slot lucky ? When in the previous four games was he lucky ?
The 5-1 beating of what’s put in front of the Reds isn’t good enough for you ?
Brentford will probably be a tougher prospect.
The noises coming from the club AND THEREFORE the smarter fans are that nobody is taking the midweek win for granted.
No doubt you’ll be pleased it looks like Frimpong is out for the w/end.
Should of got rid of salah along time ago, Should of kept Mane .
The truth of how overrated salah is , is starting to show now.
Should if cashed in !
Hey Cris, why didn’t you say this earlier ?
Those who make the decisions over such and know all the facts would’if listened to you, I’m sure….
Ps. Mané wanted out. Didn’t want to tow the line and lost out on a title. Oh well.