Rooney urges Liverpool to drop Salah amid poor form
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has advised Liverpool manager Arne Slot to make the bold decision of dropping Mohamed Salah. The controversial suggestion follows Liverpool’s disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, where Salah failed to contribute a goal or assist.
Rooney argued on his podcast that Salah’s lack of defensive effort sends the wrong message to new signings on the bench.
Despite Salah’s historic achievement last season as the first Premier League player to lead in both goals and assists while winning Player of the Season, Liverpool currently sit 11th with just 18 points from 12 games.
The team’s struggles come despite a £241 million summer investment in players like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
Rooney acknowledged the potential psychological impact of Diogo Jota’s recent personal tragedy but emphasized there’s “no excuse for not fighting.”
Captain Virgil van Dijk has called for collective responsibility as Liverpool manages just one win in their last seven league matches.
Rooney also noted the growing challenge Slot faces in emerging from the shadow of Jurgen Klopp, comparing it to post-Ferguson Manchester United, urging fans to move beyond comparisons and support the current manager.
