Wayne Rooney has urged Liverpool manager Arne Slot to drop Mohamed Salah, citing the Egyptian star’s lack of defensive effort and the team’s dismal form after a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. The former Manchester United striker made these remarks in his latest podcast episode, arguing that a bold move could reinvigorate the struggling squad and send a clear message about accountability.
Liverpool’s recent performance has been a cause for concern, with the club sitting 11th in the Premier League table after 12 games and managing just one win in their last seven matches. The 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield highlighted deeper issues, as Salah failed to record a goal or an assist, extending a run of underwhelming contributions despite scoring five times this season. This defeat has intensified scrutiny on Slot’s management and the team’s overall cohesion, with captain Virgil van Dijk emphasizing that every player must take responsibility for the poor results.
Rooney specifically pointed to Salah’s defensive shortcomings, noting that the forward is “not helping them defensively” and lacks the necessary effort in tracking back and pressing. He suggested that if Slot were to bench Salah, it would demonstrate that no player is above the team, potentially motivating other squad members who have been relegated to substitute roles. Rooney elaborated that seeing a club legend like Salah not putting in the required work could demoralize bench players and undermine collective discipline.
The context of Salah’s decline is stark when compared to his historic achievements last season, where he became the first player in Premier League history to lead in both goals and assists while winning the Player of the Season award. His form was instrumental in Slot’s successful debut campaign, guiding Liverpool to the title after taking over from Jurgen Klopp. However, following a busy summer transfer window that included high-profile signings like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak for £241 million, the team has failed to replicate that success, struggling with consistency and team dynamics.
Rooney also touched on the psychological impact of external factors, such as the “sadly happened to Jota” incident, likely referring to an injury or personal issue affecting striker Diogo Jota. He acknowledged that such events can affect teammates but stressed that there is “no excuse for not fighting and not tackling” on the pitch. This comment underscores the expectation for professional resilience, even amid challenging circumstances, and aligns with broader calls for the squad to show more grit and determination in matches.
The shadow of Klopp’s legacy looms large over Slot, with Rooney drawing parallels to his own experiences at Manchester United, where Sir Alex Ferguson’s successors faced constant comparisons. Rooney noted that Klopp’s name “keeps getting brought up” whenever results dip, creating an unfair burden for Slot, who is still establishing his authority. He urged Liverpool fans to move past these comparisons and support the current manager, emphasizing that Slot needs time and backing to implement his vision and turn the season around.
Looking ahead, the pressure is mounting on Slot to make tactical adjustments and restore confidence within the squad. Dropping Salah, even temporarily, could be a pivotal moment in his tenure, signaling a shift towards greater accountability and team-first mentality. As Liverpool prepares for upcoming fixtures, the focus will be on whether Slot heeds Rooney’s advice and how the players respond to potential changes, with their Champions League aspirations and domestic campaign hanging in the balance.
