The Champions League stage was set for a dramatic comeback, and Mohamed Salah's return to form couldn't have come at a more crucial time for Liverpool and manager Arne Slot. This wasn't just any game; it was a chance for both the player and the club to move past recent controversies and refocus on their shared goals. But here's where it gets intriguing: Salah's reintegration into the starting lineup wasn't just about his individual performance—it was a strategic move by Slot to address Liverpool's ongoing struggles against low-block defenses. And this is the part most people miss: while Salah didn't add to his impressive Champions League goal tally, his presence on the pitch was a game-changer, allowing Liverpool to dominate in a way they hadn't in weeks.
Arne Slot has a soft spot for Marseille, a city that holds fond memories from 2022 when his Feyenoord team clinched a spot in the Europa Conference League final. On the eve of this week's match at the Stade Velodrome, Slot was not only reminiscing about past glories but also fielding awkward questions about Xabi Alonso's rumored ties to the Liverpool managerial role. Controversially, some fans and pundits believe Alonso is the long-term solution for Liverpool, but Slot's focus remains firmly on the present. The noise surrounding Liverpool's future was momentarily silenced by a classic European away performance, as they added Marseille to the list of teams they've conquered on the road this season, alongside Eintracht Frankfurt and Inter Milan.
Liverpool's unbeaten streak of 13 matches (7 wins, 6 draws) across all competitions might not have been the most thrilling run, but it's the longest active streak among Europe's top five leagues. That, in itself, deserves recognition. Their last defeat? Back in November. For Slot, the real victory was Salah's seamless return to the starting XI, marking the first win since November 4, when Liverpool defeated Real Madrid in the Champions League. Salah's recent interview at Leeds had created ripples, but this performance seemed to draw a line under the tension, allowing both player and manager to move forward for the club's betterment.
The truth is, Salah and Slot need each other more than they might admit. Pre-match, Slot told TNT Sports, 'When I didn't play him, I was experimenting. We've lacked goals despite dominating possession. If there's one player in Liverpool's history who can deliver goals, it's Mo Salah.' While Salah didn't score on the night, his impact was undeniable. Liverpool's fluid 4-2-2-2 formation showcased a level of assurance that left Slot impressed and likely gave him plenty to ponder for future fixtures.
Slot praised Salah's professionalism, saying, 'It speaks volumes about his dedication that he can join us after a month with another team and play a full 90 minutes with just one day of training. He was inches away from scoring—it would’ve been a typical Salah goal—but it didn’t matter because we scored three.' With Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai supporting Hugo Ekitike and Salah, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez provided the necessary width down the flanks. The summer signings excelled, with Frimpong's energy freeing Salah to focus on his attacking duties, though the Egyptian still contributed defensively.
Steven Warnock, on Match of the Day, noted, 'Salah fit perfectly into Liverpool's setup. To get the best from him, you need consistency, so I expect Slot to use him this way again. It removes his defensive burden, keeping him fresher and more dangerous. Tonight, he was constantly on the shoulder of his marker, creating two great chances he should have converted. Both full-backs had outstanding games, contributing both offensively and defensively. They provided the width and did their defensive duties admirably.'
For Slot and Liverpool, the challenge of breaking down low-block defenses remains. Even Steven Gerrard, Liverpool's former captain, weighed in, saying, 'I'm happy for Arne. It’s not easy under that pressure. His tactics were spot-on tonight, and he deserves credit. But he needs to stop talking about low blocks. Teams have been using them against Liverpool since I played—it’s just part of the game.' Slot, however, disagrees, telling TNT Sports, 'I know why we’re inconsistent, and it’s mainly when we face low blocks. You can’t compare that to tonight’s game, where both teams pressed and played out from the back. Our inconsistency stems from struggling against low blocks.'
While it’s unlikely Bournemouth will employ a low block on Saturday, Andoni Iraola might take a leaf from Liverpool’s recent struggles and opt for a more defensive approach. But for now, this was a night for Liverpool to cherish, and another memorable moment for Slot in the south of France.
Is Salah’s return the key to Liverpool’s consistency, or do they need a more permanent solution to their low-block woes? And is Arne Slot the right man to lead them forward, or should the club look to someone like Xabi Alonso? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
