Wayne Rooney Advocates for Mohamed Salah’s Bench Time Amid Liverpool Struggles

Mohamed Salah contributed to 47 Premier League goals for Liverpool in the previous season.

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has advised Liverpool manager Arne Slot to consider dropping Salah, especially following the team’s recent 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, where Salah, despite having scored five times this season, did not register a goal or assist.

In a recent podcast episode, Rooney stated, “If I were Slot, I would contemplate making a significant decision to impact the team positively. Salah is not contributing defensively. For players who have been signed and find themselves on the bench, witnessing him not putting in the effort sends a troubling message.”

Slot, at 33 years old, made history last season by being the first Premier League player to achieve the highest goals and assists while also winning the Player of the Season award. His impressive performance aligned with a successful inaugural season for Slot, who led Liverpool to the title after taking over from Jurgen Klopp.

However, after a busy summer transfer window, featuring acquisitions like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak for a combined £241 million, the Reds have faced difficulties. Currently, Liverpool sits 11th in the league table, accumulating just 18 points from 12 matches.

“They are indeed experiencing a tough period,” Rooney remarked. “One must consider the impact of Jota’s unfortunate situation. This undoubtedly affects his teammates. However, there is no justification for a lack of effort and tackling.”

Following Saturday’s loss, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk emphasized that every team member must assume responsibility. With only one win in their last seven league matches, Slot is beginning to feel the weight of Klopp’s legacy.

Rooney commented, “Slot faces a significant challenge in revitalizing this squad. When results falter, Klopp’s name resurfaces frequently. It’s akin to the shadow cast by Sir Alex Ferguson when David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal took charge of Manchester United. People often compare Slot to Klopp, questioning his capabilities in comparison. Yet, I believe it’s crucial for Liverpool fans to support Slot and move beyond these comparisons.”

For more insights, tune into the Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport YouTube or listen via BBC Sounds.