Liverpool beat Frankfurt 5-1: Salah's selfish move in the 84th minute
Liverpool won 5-1 in the Champions League but Salah's 84th-minute missed pass exposed a clear clash with Arne Slot's collective philosophy at Anfield.
On the scoreboard was a brilliant 5-1 victory in the League Phase, Champions League early morning 23/10. But in the 84th minute, Mohamed Salah's decision not to pass when facing goalkeeper Michael Zetterer, while Florian Wirtz stood empty in the center of the penalty area, brought Anfield back to the core question: is the instinct of a superstar still suitable in the system of Arne Slot.
Developments and turning points in the 84th minute
Salah started off the bench against Eintracht Frankfurt. When he came on, he had his clearest chance in the 84th minute: space opened up, Wirtz was waiting in the middle with a cross that would have been enough. But Salah opted to shoot from a tight angle. The ball was blocked, Wirtz raised his hands in frustration, and the Liverpool technical area fell silent.
It was more than just a botched situation. It represented a clash between individual instincts and the collective philosophy that Slot was developing. A night that should have been perfect, with a score of 5-1, suddenly had a ripple effect.
Salah and the collision with Slot philosophy
Under Jürgen Klopp, Salah was the usual endpoint of attacks. All structures were designed to free up the No. 11 on the right flank for him to make decisions. Arne Slot brought a different approach: emphasising system, speed of rotation and sharing. Within that framework, Salah’s role as the “absolute explosive point” was reduced.
It is no coincidence that Salah has been on the bench for two consecutive Champions League matches. According to the team's assessment, the problem is not physical strength but mindset: prioritizing the optimal solution for the collective rather than choosing based on personal instinct.
Wirtz and the Mirror of Opposites
On the other hand, Florian Wirtz – Liverpool’s most expensive signing in history – stands out in a different way: he optimizes his passes, chooses the right moment and makes his teammates play better. Against Frankfurt, the 22-year-old had two assists, showing how quickly he has adapted to Slot’s philosophy.
Tactical analysis: from “end point” to system link
In Slot’s attacking scheme, the roles of the strikers are evenly distributed: the final receiver is not fixed, but changes according to position and situational advantage. This requires the right winger – Salah’s position – to read space, release the ball early when his teammates are in a favorable position, and move in the next layer to re-join the play.
The problem in the 84th minute was therefore typical: the option to shoot from a difficult angle was less effective than the option to stretch inside for Wirtz. In the language of Slot, it was a “systemic decision”. When situations like this are repeated, Salah’s starting position becomes a tactical question, not a default priority.
Important statistics
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Score | Liverpool 5-1 Eintracht Frankfurt |
| Controversial moment | 84 |
| Salah's achievements this season | 12 games, 3 goals |
| Salah in the Champions League | Reserve for 2 consecutive matches |
| Wirtz before Frankfurt | 2 assists |
Reaction and consequences
Commentator Troy Deeney said bluntly: “That’s the real Salah. He always wants to score first, thinks about himself first. But now Liverpool need a player who knows how to pass, who knows how to sacrifice.” Adrian Durham added: “The situation of not passing to Wirtz says it all. If it continues like that, Salah will be on the bench for a long time. Arne Slot doesn’t build a team around one person’s ego.”
These comments reflect the reality: Salah is no longer the unchanging central figure at Anfield. At 33, he faces a crossroads that many superstars have faced: either adapt to a role in a system that values the collective, or accept being replaced.
Immediate impact and prospects
Liverpool visit Brentford this weekend. The likes of Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz are likely to continue to be relied on. For Salah, if he continues to maintain his personal priorities like in the 84th minute, being on the bench will no longer be a “wake-up call”, but a logical consequence of a philosophy that is taking shape.
In a team where Slot wants to distribute goalscoring and creating responsibilities horizontally, any star player’s value is measured by his ability to connect with his teammates. The Frankfurt encounter could therefore be a key piece: showing why Salah must change – and why Liverpool, despite winning 5-1, still left the pitch with an open question about the No. 11’s future under the Dutchman.
