Rooney Advocates for Salah’s Bench Role to Revitalize Liverpool’s Performance

omidbasir- Wayne Rooney has urged Liverpool manager Arne Slot to consider sidelining Mohamed Salah to reignite the team’s form.

Following a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, the defending champions currently sit in 11th place in the Premier League, trailing leaders Arsenal by 11 points.

In the recent match, Salah did not contribute with a goal or an assist, marking Liverpool’s sixth loss in their last seven league fixtures. The team has conceded six goals without reply in their last two league encounters, including a previous defeat to Manchester City.

“Salah is not contributing defensively,” Rooney remarked on The Wayne Rooney Show. “If you’re one of the players on the bench and you observe a teammate not tracking back, it sends a poor message. I understand he’s a club legend, but his starting position every game sends the wrong signal.

“If I were Arne Slot, I would consider making a bold decision to impact the team dynamic. When you’re struggling to win games, it’s crucial to remain compact and difficult to defeat. During this challenging period, Slot must prioritize a cohesive defense, ensuring all players are contributing. Once the team starts winning again, he can reintegrate Salah, hoping he will be more committed defensively. I believe this change would significantly affect the team’s performance.”

Rooney’s critique wasn’t limited to Salah; he also highlighted the underperformance of several key players.

“It’s not only van Dijk and Salah who have been disappointing. I would expect more from the senior players like Mac Allister and Gravenberch, who need to step up, rally their teammates, and help forge a winning culture again.”

He further noted that the recent death of Diogo Jota may have taken a toll on the team’s morale.

“They are certainly experiencing a difficult phase, and it’s important to consider the impact of Jota’s tragic passing on the squad. He was a teammate and a close companion, and such events can undoubtedly affect performance on the field.”