Micah Richards has identified the factors behind Mohamed Salah's recent dip in form following Liverpool's Carabao Cup final defeat.
The Egyptian forward struggled to make an impact as the Reds suffered a 2-1 loss to Newcastle at Wembley on Sunday.
Newcastle ended their 70-year wait for domestic silverware with the victory, two years after losing to Manchester United at the same stage in the same competition.
The defeat came shortly after Liverpool's Champions League exit at the hands of PSG, where Salah was also kept quiet.
Liverpool news: Mohamed Salah had a day to forget as the Reds lost to Newcastle in the final of the Carabao Cup
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Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, former Manchester City defender Richards analysed Salah's performance.
"I think this team is so reliant on Mo Salah," Richards said.
"Expecting a worldie from him, a penalty, a free kick... whatever it may be."
Richards added: "I just thought from Liverpool's point of view the performance was a bit flat."
"Maybe it was psychologically from the PSG result."
Liverpool news: Micah Richards thinks Ramadan could be behind Mohamed Salah's flat performance against Newcastle on Sunday
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The back-to-back defeats have marked a difficult period for Liverpool.
Richards highlighted that Salah's observance of Ramadan could be affecting his performances.
"Don't forget Salah is in Ramadan now as well where he's fasting," the pundit explained.
"It's only normal that he's not gonna have the same energy levels as when he can eat."
Richards was full of admiration for Salah's commitment despite these challenges.
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"For him to be actually on that pitch playing at that level is absolutely outstanding just to be there you know."
During Ramadan, many Muslims abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours.
This year, the holy month runs from February 28 until March 30.
Observers break their fast after sunset each day.
Liverpool's next match isn't until April 2, meaning Salah will have completed Ramadan before his next appearance for the club.
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This timing could prove beneficial for both the player and Liverpool as they look to maintain their position at the top of the table.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has experienced consecutive defeats for the first time in his career.
Despite this setback, the Dutchman refused to dwell on the negatives.
"It took us seven months to lose twice in a row and it happened against two teams one fighting for Champions League places and the other is PSG," Slot said.
Liverpool news: Mohamed Salah was ineffective in Sunday's 2-1 Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle
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He added: "At the moment PSG are probably the best team in Europe but I want to make clear, the week started really well by us beating Southampton."
Slot emphasised Liverpool's 12-point advantage over Arsenal in the league, too.
"The lead is 12 points," he pointed out, maintaining perspective despite the cup disappointment.
"You know if you go further into tournaments that the opposition get stronger and stronger. And even Liverpool can lose games."
