Wayne Rooney Suggests Mohamed Salah Should be Benched Amid Liverpool’s Struggles

Mohamed Salah significantly contributed to Liverpool’s performance last season, participating in 47 Premier League goals. However, following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has suggested that Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, should consider dropping Salah from the starting lineup.

In his latest podcast episode, Rooney expressed, “If I were Slot, I would make a bold decision that could have a positive impact on the rest of the team. Salah is not contributing defensively. If you’re one of the new signings on the bench and observe him not putting in the required effort—despite being a club legend—what message does that send?”

Salah, now 33 years old, had a remarkable season last year, becoming the first player in Premier League history to end a season as the top scorer and assist provider, while also winning the Player of the Season award. His impressive performance aligned with a successful inaugural season for Slot as he took over from Jurgen Klopp and led the team to the title.

However, this season has proven challenging for Liverpool, who currently sit 11th in the league table with just 18 points from 12 matches. Rooney remarked, “They are experiencing a tough period, and one must consider the impact of Jota’s unfortunate situation on the team dynamics. That certainly must affect the players. Yet, there is no excuse for a lack of fight or tackling.”

In the wake of Saturday’s defeat, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk emphasized that accountability lies with the entire team. With Slot’s squad managing only one victory in their last seven league matches, the legacy of his predecessor begins to overshadow the new manager.

Rooney commented, “Slot faces a considerable challenge in revitalizing the team’s performance. When results are poor, comparisons to Klopp inevitably arise. It’s reminiscent of the situation David Moyes faced at Manchester United, where Sir Alex Ferguson’s name was frequently mentioned. With Slot, Klopp’s legacy keeps coming up, often with the implication that he isn’t as good. However, it’s essential for Liverpool fans to move past this and support Slot.”

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