ESPN FC Gab & Juls Show: Should Salah continue to start for Liverpool?
Jan 22, 2026
Gab and Julien dive into Liverpool's impressive Champions League victory over Marseille, debating whether Mohamed Salah should continue in the starting lineup. They analyze Real Madrid's stunning win against Monaco and tackle Manchester City's shocking defeat. A closer look at tactical alternatives for Liverpool without Salah leads to discussions on the broader implications for top clubs in the Champions League. They also touch on Arsenal's dominance, Newcastle's strong showing, and the ongoing financial dynamics in football.
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Tactical Ambition Undermined By Poor Execution
- Marseille tried an ambitious tactical approach that backfired against organized Liverpool.
- Julien Laurens says Marseille lacked rhythm and failed to adjust, leaving them exposed throughout the match.
Salah's Return Creates Tactical Questions
- Mohamed Salah returned from AFCON and was started immediately by Arne Slot.
- Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens question whether Salah fits Slot's preferred system and note other players dominated the performance.
Use Opponent Patterns To Win Set Pieces
- Exploit recurring set-piece weaknesses by studying opponent patterns and training targeted routines.
- Gab Marcotti highlights Liverpool's free-kick low-ground finish as an example of analysis-based opportunism.