Mohamed Salah's six-word admission speaks volumes of Liverpool boss Arne Slot

Liverpool have been warned that Mohamed Salah's reduced defensive duties could be contributing to the club's disappointing campaign this season. The Reds are languishing in eighth position in the Premier League table and have already exited the Carabao Cup.

Salah has managed just five goals for Liverpool so far this season, with four of those coming in the league. The Egyptian netted 34 times across all competitions to help guide the Reds to their 20th top-flight title last year. Arne Slot's squad have already suffered five league defeats this season, which is more than the entirety of last term on their way to winning the title.

Liverpool trail leaders Arsenal by eight points following their loss to Manchester City before the international break.

Former Liverpool player Danny Murphy highlighted previous remarks made by Salah last season, which may provide one explanation for the side's struggles this term.

"There's a reason Mo Salah last season, when asked about the difference of playing under Slot he said, 'He tells me to defend less,' with a big smile on his face," Murphy said on talkSPORT.

"Which is fine when you're scoring and winning games, but at the moment it's costing them."

Murphy's assessment was linked to comments made by Salah towards the end of last season, where he outlined the contrast between working for Slot compared to Jurgen Klopp. "You can see the numbers," Salah stated to Sky Sports in April.

"Now I don't have to defend much. The tactics are quite different.

"I said, 'As long as you rest me defensively I will provide offensively', so I am glad that I did. He [Slot] listened a lot and you can see the numbers.

"When you play in the Premier League you have to defend but I said that I can gamble and somehow I can make a difference. My number of assists shows that, you can create chances as well."

Liverpool need to reignite Salah's scoring prowess following their 3-0 defeat to title contenders City prior to the international break. Upon their return, the Reds will welcome Nottingham Forest.