Liverpool manager Arne Slot has explained his decision to substitute Mohamed Salah during the latter stages of Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League quarter-final first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, insisting the move was purely tactical.
Speaking after the match at the Parc des Princes, Slot said Liverpool spent the final 20–25 minutes in “survival mode,” defending deep inside their own box against a dominant PSG side.
He reported that such a defensive scenario did not suit Salah’s attacking strengths. “For Mo to be 20-25 minutes defending inside his own box, it’s better for him to save his energy for a lot of games that are coming up,” Slot explained.
The Dutch coach emphasized the decision was made with a busy fixture schedule in mind, including upcoming domestic matches. PSG secured the win with first-half goals from Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.