Wayne Rooney Delivers Explosive Verdict on Arne Slot's Future, Issues Bold Tactical Challenge
Ex-Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney backed Liverpool boss Arne Slot's position while arguing that the Dutch manager should bench Mohamed Salah amid this terrible streak of results.
Salah is experiencing one of his poorest campaigns in Liverpool colors, following what was arguably his finest season in 2024–25. The current Premier League Player of the Year has managed only four goals across 12 league matches—compared to 10 at the same point last season.
With his attacking contributions declining, attention has turned to his defensive commitment—or the absence of it. Slot openly acknowledges that his key attacker operates under modified expectations to preserve his stamina for crucial moments. However, opposition teams have increasingly exploited the wing that Salah consistently abandons defensively.
Just this past weekend, Nottingham Forest netted their second goal in a commanding 3–0 victory at Anfield by charging down Liverpool's right flank, with Neco Williams ghosting past Salah to set up Nicolò Savona. Across the Premier League campaign, 22% of shots Liverpool have conceded originated from that side—the highest rate in the league—versus merely 10% from the left wing, according to WhoScored.
Rooney criticized Liverpool's star player. "Salah isn't contributing defensively," he stated on his personal podcast.
"If you're among the players they've brought in and you're sitting on the substitutes' bench watching him avoid tracking back—despite being a club icon and all his achievements—what kind of signal does that convey to you?
"If I were Slot, I'd make a bold choice just to send a message to the entire squad." When Kelly Somers pressed him to confirm whether he meant benching Salah, Rooney affirmed his position.
"During periods when results aren't coming, you need to remain organized and difficult to break down, so I believe throughout this rough patch, absolutely he must make that call," the former England captain emphasized.
Rooney also acknowledged the influence of Diogo Jota's tragic death as a clear factor affecting Liverpool's performances. Salah revealed the impact of this heartbreaking loss on the season opener when he broke down emotionally before the Kop as Jota's song echoed around the stadium.
"You have to consider the consequences of what tragically occurred with Jota," Rooney noted. "How does that affect the squad since these are his former colleagues? That certainly must leave its mark."
Nevertheless, he maintained: "But there's still no justification for lacking fight and avoiding challenges."
Slot Under Pressure
While Salah faced Rooney's criticism, Slot still retains some support from the analyst.
"Regarding Slot, [previous Liverpool manager Jürgen] Klopp's name constantly surfaces. 'He's not Jürgen Klopp, he doesn't match Jürgen Klopp's standard,'" Rooney reflected. "But I believe Liverpool supporters need to move past that comparison and support him."
Manchester United's record goalscorer noticed troubling parallels between his former club and Liverpool. "It resembles the shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson," Rooney observed. "For example, when David Moyes arrived [at Manchester United] and [Louis] Van Gaal, Ferguson's legacy would constantly be referenced."
Rooney's ex-United colleague Gary Neville showed less patience than his fellow pundit.
"You cannot suffer six defeats in seven matches as Liverpool Football Club," the Sky Sports analyst cautioned. "It's completely unacceptable. The manager must alter the approach or formation to assist them. This requires greater defensive stability and squad rotation."
Instead of benching Salah, Neville advocated for alternative tactical adjustments.
"[Milos] Kerkez is having difficulties, [Ibrahima] Konaté is struggling," the former defender observed. "I mentioned this weeks ago, suggesting perhaps Joe Gomez should feature at right back, Andy Robertson at left back with a compact back four. Adopt a more practical approach. Something must shift collectively.
"From a personal standpoint you must return to basics, whether that involves rest, flexibility training, nutrition, the smallest elements. Execute everything to a higher standard."