Wayne Rooney has publicly criticized Mo Salah following the Liverpool star’s recent comments about his relationship with the club. Salah described feeling “thrown under the bus” after being benched by manager Arne Slot for three consecutive matches. In a candid post-match interview after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw against Leeds, the Egyptian forward expressed disappointment with the club’s treatment, stating, “It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling.”
Salah’s comments have created a stir among fans and analysts alike. He claimed that someone at the club wanted him to take all the blame for the situation, expressing confusion over the apparent breakdown of his relationship with Slot. “I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don’t have any relationship. It is not acceptable for me. I don’t know why this is happening to me,” he added, highlighting his frustration.
In response, Rooney, a Manchester United legend and prominent football commentator, has articulated his thoughts on Salah’s approach. On The Wayne Rooney Show, he stated, “[Salah] is absolutely destroying his legacy at Liverpool. It would be sad for him to throw it all away. He’s gone about it all wrong.” Rooney emphasized that with Salah’s established status, he should be demonstrating resilience and commitment to the team rather than airing grievances publicly.
The former England international pointed out that Salah’s performance this season has not matched his previous standards. “Time catches up with all of us, and this season he hasn’t looked as his best, at his sharpest,” Rooney remarked. He suggested that true professionals must continually earn their place on the team, regardless of past achievements.
Rooney’s comments extended to Salah’s impact on his teammates, suggesting that such public outbursts could create discord within the squad. “If I was one of his teammates, I wouldn’t be happy at all with what he said because this is where Liverpool need him most,” he stated. He further accused Salah of throwing Liverpool “under the bus” with his words, emphasizing the need for unity and respect within the squad.
Last season, Salah was a key player for Liverpool, scoring 29 Premier League goals and playing a crucial role in their title victory. Despite speculation over a summer departure, he signed a new deal in April 2023. However, this season, he has struggled, managing only four goals so far. Rooney believes that Salah is now contributing a “negative energy” to the team and advised Slot to continue sidelining him if his attitude does not improve.
Rooney suggested that Salah’s behavior might affect team dynamics, especially for new players joining the squad. “I would imagine he will be very quiet around the training ground and that will bring a negative energy in itself,” he noted. He urged Slot to take decisive action, saying, “Arne Slot has to show his authority and pull him in and say ‘you are not travelling with the team, what you said is not acceptable.’”
With Salah scheduled to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Egypt, he hinted that Liverpool’s next home match against Brighton could mark his last game for the club before his international duty.
As the situation evolves, both Salah’s future at Liverpool and the team’s performance will be closely monitored by fans and pundits alike. The coming weeks will be crucial for Salah as he navigates this challenging period in his career.
