Mohamed Salah Dropped as Liverpool Fall to PSG in Champions League Quarterfinal

• Salah left on bench after FA Cup defeat at Manchester City
• Liverpool failed to register a shot on target in Paris
• Arne Slot cites defensive demands behind selection decision

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was left out of the starting line up for the Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Paris Saint-Germain following the club’s FA Cup defeat at Manchester City.

The 33 year old remained an unused substitute as Liverpool suffered a 2-0 defeat in Paris, failing to register a single shot on target across the 90 minutes.

Salah had been withdrawn in the 77th minute of the 4-0 loss at City after missing a clear first half opportunity and seeing a penalty saved by James Trafford.

Head coach Arne Slot said the nature of the game in Paris influenced his decision to leave Salah on the bench.

“In the last part of the game it was about surviving for us,” Slot said. “Mo has so much qualities, but to be defending 25 minutes inside his own box, it is better for Mo to save energy for matches to come.”

The two sides are scheduled to meet again at Anfield next week, with Liverpool needing to overturn a two goal deficit to progress.

Slot opted for a tactical adjustment, deploying wing backs in Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez ahead of a back three featuring Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté.

Sources indicated the system had been rehearsed in training, marking a departure from Slot’s usual approach since taking charge.

Florian Wirtz retained his place in the starting side, while Alexis Mac Allister returned in midfield.

Salah confirmed during the recent international break that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, despite having time remaining on his current contract.

The Egypt international has remained a regular presence in the squad in recent months, though this latest selection decision underlines the tactical direction taken by Slot in a critical European fixture.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.