Wayne Rooney Advocates for Major Changes at Liverpool Amid Struggles

Mohamed Salah was instrumental in 47 Premier League goals for Liverpool last season, but recent performances have drawn criticism. Following Liverpool’s disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has advised manager Arne Slot to make significant changes, including potentially dropping Salah from the lineup.

Despite having scored five goals this season, Salah’s lack of assists and defensive contribution has raised concerns. In his latest podcast episode, Rooney remarked, “If I were Slot, I would consider making a bold decision to impact the team dynamics. Salah is not contributing defensively. If you are one of the new players who has been signed and you find yourself on the bench, seeing Salah not putting in the effort sends a troubling message.”

Liverpool’s struggles have been apparent, with the team currently sitting in 11th place with only 18 points from 12 matches. Rooney observed, “They’re certainly going through a tough period. You have to consider the impact of what happened to Jota and how it affects the players, as he is one of their teammates. That inevitably takes a toll. However, there is no justification for a lack of fight and determination.”

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk emphasized the importance of accountability following the recent defeat, stating that “everyone in the team has to take responsibility.” With Slot’s squad managing just one win in their last seven league fixtures, the legacy of former manager Jurgen Klopp looms large over his tenure. Rooney commented, “Slot has a significant task ahead to restore the team’s winning mentality. When results falter, Klopp’s name frequently resurfaces, similar to how Sir Alex Ferguson’s legacy affected David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal at Manchester United. Slot is continually compared to Klopp, but it is crucial for Liverpool fans to rally behind him instead of dwelling on past successes.”

For further insights and discussions, you can watch the Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport’s YouTube channel or listen on BBC Sounds.