'NOT NICE TO DROP SALAH'

...but Slot praises way Mo reacted to being benched

- IAN DOYLE

ARNE SLOT admitted dropping Mohamed Salah at the weekend was “not nice” - but praised the Liverpool talisman's reaction.

Salah was benched for the first time in the Premier League since April 2024 and remained unused as the Reds eased to a 2-0 win at West Ham on Sunday.

Liverpool boss Slot wielded the axe after the Egyptian was one of several players struggling for top form during a run of nine defeats in 12 games that saw the champions tumble down the table.

The 33-year-old, one of the greatest players in the Reds' history, is heading into the final 18 months of his contract.