Rooney Advocates for Bold Changes in Liverpool’s Struggling Squad

Mohamed Salah was pivotal in Liverpool’s success last season, contributing to 47 goals in the Premier League. However, following the team’s recent 3-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest, former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has called for Liverpool manager Arne Slot to reconsider Salah’s role in the lineup.

In his latest podcast episode, Rooney expressed, “If I were Slot, I would make a significant decision that could positively impact the entire team.” He noted Salah’s lack of defensive contribution and questioned what message it sends to bench players witnessing his diminished effort, despite his status as a club legend.

Liverpool is currently experiencing a challenging period, sitting 11th in the league table with only 18 points from 12 matches. Rooney remarked, “They are indeed going through a tough time. One must also consider the emotional impact of Jota’s unfortunate situation on the players. However, there is no excuse for a lack of fight or effort on the pitch.”

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s captain, emphasized after the recent loss that accountability is crucial within the team. With Slot’s squad managing just one victory in their last seven league matches, comparisons to his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp, are becoming increasingly frequent. Rooney observed, “Slot has a considerable task ahead to restore the team’s competitive spirit. During a rough patch, Klopp’s legacy often resurfaces in discussions, similarly to how Sir Alex Ferguson’s influence was felt during the transitions at Manchester United.”

He concluded by urging fans to support Slot and detach from the benchmarks set by Klopp, stating, “The Liverpool supporters need to rally behind him and embrace the current leadership rather than constantly comparing him to Klopp.”

For more insights, tune in to the Wayne Rooney Show available on BBC Sport platforms.