Manchester United great Wayne Rooney has urged Liverpool manager Arne Slot to make a bold decision regarding the future of star player Mohamed Salah. Following a disheartening 3-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest, Liverpool has now suffered six losses in their last seven matches, leaving them languishing in 11th place in the Premier League standings.
Salah’s recent performances have come under scrutiny, particularly following the match against Nottingham, where he failed to contribute a goal or assist. Despite creating a significant chance for teammate Milos Kerkez, his overall work rate has raised concerns. Rooney contends that the Egyptian forward’s lack of defensive effort is detrimental to the team’s morale and performance.
In remarks made on the “Wayne Rooney Show,” he emphasized the need for Slot to consider dropping Salah to send a message to the squad. Rooney stated, “If I was Slot, I’d try and make a big decision just so it has an impact on the rest of the team. Salah is not helping them defensively.” He highlighted the potential demoralizing effect on bench players who see a club legend not putting in the requisite effort.
Rooney also addressed the emotional toll following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota in a car accident over the summer. He suggested that this loss could be influencing the players’ current struggles. “They’re going through a hard time, aren’t they? 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,” Rooney remarked. Despite these challenges, he insisted there is no excuse for the team’s lack of fight and determination.
As Liverpool grapples with its form, Slot faces increasing pressure to turn around the team’s fortunes and restore confidence among players and fans alike. The next matches will be critical as the club aims to recover from its recent slump and re-establish itself as a contender in the Premier League.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if any changes are made in the lineup, particularly concerning Salah’s role in the squad. The coming weeks could prove pivotal for both the team and its beleaguered manager.
