Tensions rise between Salah and Slot
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is threatening to damage his own legacy, according to former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney. Salah admitted on Saturday that he felt “thrown under the bus” by Liverpool and claimed his relationship with head coach Arne Slot has broken down. Rooney argued that Slot must now assert his authority and consider excluding the Egypt international from Liverpool’s upcoming matches. “Arne Slot has to show his authority and pull him in, saying ‘you are not travelling with the team, what you said is not acceptable,’” Rooney said on his latest podcast episode. Rooney added that Salah should focus on the Africa Cup of Nations while tensions cool. “If I were him, there would be no way he would be in the team,” Rooney said.
Resolve issues quickly or move on
Rooney believes Salah must reconcile with Slot or leave Liverpool entirely. “It needs to be sorted out quickly either way,” he said. Salah, 33, has scored 250 goals in 420 appearances for Liverpool but missed the starting lineup in the past three matches and came off the bench unused in Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United. After the game, Salah told reporters at Elland Road that his relationship with Slot suddenly deteriorated. “It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame,” he said. Salah helped Liverpool win the Premier League last season with 29 goals and signed a new two-year contract in April.
Rooney questions public criticism
Rooney criticized Salah for speaking publicly about the dispute. “He is absolutely destroying his legacy at Liverpool,” Rooney said, describing the situation as sad for a player of Salah’s stature. Rooney added that Salah mishandled the situation and risked undermining years of achievement. Salah joined Liverpool from Roma in 2017, and Rooney suggested he should have resolved matters privately.
Liverpool’s struggles continue
Liverpool have struggled to replicate the highs of Slot’s first season in charge, sitting ninth in the Premier League table, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal after winning seven of their first 15 games. Salah has scored four goals in 13 top-flight appearances this season. Rooney said Salah was wrong to claim, “I don’t have to go every day fighting for my position because I earned it.” The former England forward argued that time affects all players and Salah has not looked his sharpest this season. “You want to see him roll his sleeves up and say ‘ok then, I’ll show you,’” Rooney said.
Impact on teammates and club
Rooney warned that Salah’s words could affect his teammates and the wider squad. “If I were one of his team-mates, I wouldn’t be happy at all with what he said because this is where Liverpool need him most,” Rooney said. He added that Salah has thrown Liverpool under the bus with his comments and disrespected teammates, manager, and fans. Rooney predicted Salah might remain quiet at training, potentially creating negative energy for new players Slot has integrated. “I am sure over the next couple of years he will regret saying what he has,” Rooney concluded.
