Liverpool’s early season struggles have been a cause for concern, especially after a bright start to Arne Slot’s second campaign in charge. Seven games into the Premier League season, the defending champions already appear to lack pace, sharpness and confidence. While the new manager’s tactical clarity remains evident, execution has faltered and several veteran players have become the focus of attention.
Among them, Mo Salah has been the subject of the most scrutiny. The Egyptian striker, a player once synonymous with relentless drive and clinical precision, has been accused by former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol of showing signs of fatigue and frustration. After years of carrying the burden of the attack, the question is whether exhaustion has finally caught up with him.
Steve Nicol questions Salah’s commitment
It seems almost sacrilege to question Mo Salah, a player who has redefined consistency in modern football. However, Steve Nicol, speaking on ESPN, did just that. He expressed concern that Salah’s body language and effort levels have decreased, suggesting he has mentally withdrawn from the games.
“For 99% of players, when things don’t go well for them, we understand that it’s okay as long as they work hard,” Nicol told ESPN. “But he seems to be walking around in a daze. Those breakups with Cucurella, Salah doesn’t even think about him and why?
“Surely it can’t be that he doesn’t understand it or doesn’t understand it, and there’s certainly no way that Arne Slot wouldn’t tell him to keep an eye on Cucurella because he liked to move forward.
“I’m going to be nice to Mo Salah and we can call him low confidence, but right now his head is confused and he doesn’t see the picture clearly.”
It was a surprising assessment from Nicol, who rarely questions the commitment of elite players. His comments reflect a growing debate among fans and pundits: Is Salah suffering from a temporary loss of form or something more lasting?
Salah’s recent problems with Slot
Salah has scored just two goals in the league so far and has struggled to dominate games as Liverpool fans have become accustomed to. His mark breaks into the area and precise shots in one-on-one situations have been scarce. More worrying has been his lack of defensive effort, and Nicol highlighted moments in which he seemed disconnected from the follow-up.
The slot system demands a lot of energy and compact pressure from all players. When those demands are not met, the structure collapses. Salah’s production in possession remains technically good, but his intensity off the ball appears to have diminished. It is not yet known if this is physical or psychological.
It is important to remember that Salah has rarely had a complete rest. Since joining Liverpool in 2017, he has played an extraordinary number of games across competitions and continents. Add to that his leadership duties for Egypt and the weight of the expectations of millions of people at home, and it becomes easier to understand why exhaustion might be setting in.
The busy schedule takes its toll
At 33 years old, Salah faces one of the most demanding seasons of his career. Liverpool will once again compete on multiple fronts, including the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, while Salah is also expected to lead Egypt into the African Cup of Nations and potentially the World Cup next summer.
This relentless schedule brings a physical and mental toll. Every sprint, every duel and every long flight between England and Africa undermines recovery time. It is no surprise that Liverpool staff are being urged to manage their minutes carefully.
For a player who has built his career on durability and momentum, recognizing limits can be difficult. Salah’s hunger and professionalism have been his trademarks, but as Nicol hinted, his current body language suggests exhaustion rather than disinterest.
Slot’s challenge to revive Salah
Now Arne Slot’s human management will be put to the test. The Dutchman has proven to be an expert at revitalizing players and generating unity, but this challenge is different. Salah is not only out of shape, but he seems emotionally exhausted. A period of rotation or a clear conversation about rest and recovery may be necessary to prevent further deterioration.
For Liverpool fans, this period is unsettling. Salah remains a symbol of his modern glory, but football greats are also human. Signs of burnout can often be invisible until drops in performance reveal them. Nicol’s comments have shed light on something that may have been brewing for months, if not years.
Salah’s history at Liverpool has been one of brilliance, devotion and tireless ambition. Whether this is just a difficult patch or the start of a new chapter will depend on how he and Slot respond. What is certain is that Liverpool’s hopes of defending their crown rest largely on the shoulders of a player who has given everything for the club.