Rooney Urges Liverpool to Consider Dropping Salah Amid Struggles

Mohamed Salah was directly involved in 47 goals during the previous Premier League season for Liverpool.

In light of the team’s struggles, former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has advised Liverpool manager Arne Slot to consider dropping Salah. Following Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, where Salah, despite scoring five goals this season, failed to provide any assists or goals, Rooney expressed his views in a recent podcast episode.

“If I were in Slot’s position, I’d make a significant decision that could positively impact the rest of the team,” Rooney stated. “Salah’s contributions to the defense are lacking. If you are a newly signed player and see him not putting in the effort, it sends a troubling message to those on the bench.”

Slot himself acknowledged the team’s troubling performance, stating, “It’s my responsibility,” as Liverpool finds itself in a difficult phase. The 33-year-old Salah made history last season by becoming the first player in Premier League history to finish with the highest number of goals and assists while also winning the ‘Player of the Season’ award. This remarkable achievement coincided with Slot’s successful inaugural season as manager, securing the title after taking over from Jurgen Klopp.

However, following a busy summer transfer window, including the acquisition of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak for a combined total of £241 million, Liverpool is currently languishing in 11th place with 18 points from 12 matches. “They are indeed going through a tough period, aren’t they?” Rooney remarked. “The unfortunate incident involving Jota likely affects the players since he is one of their teammates. This must have some impact. Nevertheless, there should be no excuse for a lack of effort or tackling.”

After the loss to Nottingham Forest, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk emphasized that “everyone in the team must take responsibility” as Slot’s squad has managed only one win in their last seven league matches. The legacy of his predecessor, Klopp, is increasingly casting a shadow over Slot’s tenure.

Rooney further commented, “Slot has a significant task ahead to restore the team’s winning ways. When results are poor, Klopp’s name frequently resurfaces. It’s akin to the legacy of Sir Alex Ferguson when David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal took over at Manchester United; Ferguson’s name was always mentioned. With Slot, Klopp is constantly referenced as ‘he’s not Jurgen Klopp, he’s not as effective as Klopp.’ I believe Liverpool fans need to shift their focus and rally behind Slot instead.”

For more insights, watch the Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport YouTube, and listen to the latest Football Daily podcast.