Mohamed Salah headed straight down the tunnel after Liverpool’s 5-1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, sparking claims that the Egyptian star was frustrated at being benched. The 33-year-old forward, who has endured a slow start to the 2025–26 season, was only brought on in the 74th minute as Liverpool ended their four-game losing streak in emphatic fashion.
Questions had already been raised about whether Salah still deserved an automatic starting spot given his recent form. Despite signing a new contract, he has only managed three goals this season—the last coming in a Champions League win over Atletico Madrid on September 17. His performance in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United was also below par, leading manager Arne Slot to make some bold selection choices for the Frankfurt clash.
Slot opted to start Hugo Ekitike on the right flank and Alexander Isak through the middle, leaving Salah on the bench for the second consecutive European game. Ekitike justified his inclusion by scoring against his former club. Salah replaced him in the closing stages, registering three attempts (two on target) but failing to score or assist. He was also criticized for not passing to Florian Wirtz in a promising attack late on.
After the final whistle, Salah appeared visibly frustrated despite the team’s big win. Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele noted on X (formerly Twitter) that Salah “went straight down the tunnel” and “looked in a strop,” though he later deleted the post. Salah did applaud the traveling Liverpool supporters before exiting.
Speaking before kickoff, Slot explained his decision to rest the Egyptian:
> “It’s always a difficult decision because of Mo’s quality, but we have so many good players. We needed to adjust our midfield after Ryan Gravenberch’s injury and liked the way we finished against United. With how Frankfurt play, we decided to start this way. As always, some players start, and others impact the game later.”
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher also backed the decision, saying on CBS Sports:
> “When Salah isn’t at his absolute best, he should be treated like any other player. He’s 33 now, and with three games in six days, rotation makes sense. Liverpool have plenty of options, and this was a smart call from Arne Slot.”
Liverpool next face Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday before taking on Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, followed by tough fixtures against Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City before the international break.
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