A fresh wave of debate is sweeping through the football world after Wayne Rooney openly called out Mohamed Salah, blaming him for part of Liverpool’s recent struggles. His comments came after Liverpool’s painful 3–0 loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield, a result that has deepened questions over the team’s form under new manager Arne Slot.
According to a report by Sky Sport, Rooney argued that the team needed a hard reset, starting with a bold decision involving Salah. “If I were Slot, I’d try and make a big decision just so it has an impact on the rest of the team,” he said on his podcast. He didn’t mince words. “Salah is not helping them defensively.”
Rooney pointed at a deeper problem, one that goes beyond goal droughts or assists. “If you’re one of the players they’ve signed and you’re on the bench and you’ve seen him not running – and again he’s a club legend and everything he’s done for the club – but if you’re on the bench, then what message does that send to you?” he asked.
Despite Salah’s five goals this season, his influence has waned. The forward, who last season became the first in Premier League history to finish with the most goals and assists while winning Player of the Season, has struggled to hit the same heights under Slot.
The manager’s first year was dazzling. He guided Liverpool to the title, filling the vacuum left by Jurgen Klopp. The club then spent heavily in the summer, bringing in Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak for a combined £241m. Expectations were sky high.
Yet the team now sits 11th with 18 points from 12 matches. For a club that lifted the league title barely months ago, the slump has raised serious worries.
Rooney also touched on the emotional weight carried by the squad, especially after the heartbreaking incident involving Jota. “You’ve probably got to look at the effect of what sadly happened to Jota. What effect does that have on the players, because that’s his teammates? That surely has to have an effect,” he noted. Still, he made it clear that effort is non-negotiable. “There’s no excuse for not fighting and not tackling.”
