Wayne Rooney Suggests Liverpool Manager Consider Dropping Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah was involved in 47 Premier League goals for Liverpool last season.

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has suggested that Liverpool manager Arne Slot should consider dropping Mohamed Salah from the squad. Following Liverpool’s 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, Salah, who has scored five goals this season, did not contribute a goal or an assist.

In his latest podcast episode, Rooney stated, “If I were in Slot’s position, I would make a significant decision that could impact the entire team. Salah is not contributing defensively. If you’re a player who has joined the team and you’re on the bench, witnessing him not exerting himself—despite his legendary status and past contributions—what message does that convey to you?”

Addressing Liverpool’s current struggles, Slot remarked, “It is my responsibility; we are in a very bad spell.”

Salah, at 33 years old, became the first player in Premier League history to conclude a season with the highest number of goals and assists while also securing the Player of the Season award last term. His remarkable performance coincided with a successful inaugural season for Slot, who led Liverpool to the title after taking over from Jurgen Klopp.

After an active summer transfer window, which included the signings of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak for a total of £241 million, Liverpool has faced difficulties this season, currently placing 11th in the league table with 18 points from 12 games.

Rooney commented on the team’s plight, saying, “They’re experiencing a tough period, aren’t they? You have to consider the impact of Jota’s unfortunate situation; it must affect the players, as he is their teammate. However, there are no excuses for a lack of effort or tackling.”

Following the loss on Saturday, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk stated that “everyone in the team has to take responsibility.” With Slot’s team recording only one win in their last seven league matches, the legacy of his predecessor, Klopp, is becoming increasingly prominent.

Rooney remarked, “Slot has a significant task ahead of him in getting the team back to winning ways. The pressing issue is that when results are poor, Klopp’s name keeps emerging. It’s akin to the shadow cast by Sir Alex Ferguson—when David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal took over at Manchester United, Ferguson’s legacy was always referenced. Similarly, with Slot, Klopp is frequently compared. However, Liverpool fans need to move beyond that and support him.”

For more insights, watch the Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport’s YouTube channel or listen on BBC Sounds.