Maha Christopher
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has criticised Mohamed Salah, describing the Liverpool forward as “selfish” and claiming he should be left out of the squad for Liverpool’s final game of the season against Brentford FC at Anfield.
According to the BBC, Rooney’s comments followed Salah’s recent social media statement after Liverpool’s 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa FC, a result that left the Reds’ Champions League qualification hopes hanging in the balance.
In the post, Salah insisted Liverpool must return to being a “heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear,” a remark widely interpreted as criticism of manager Arne Slot and a nostalgic reference to former boss Jürgen Klopp.
Rooney said Salah’s comments amounted to a public attack on Slot and questioned the Egyptian’s suitability for the intense style of football he appeared to be demanding.
“I find it sad at the end of what he’s done and what he’s achieved at Liverpool,” Rooney said on the Wayne Rooney Show. “He wants Jurgen Klopp football, but I don’t think Mo Salah can cope with that type of football anymore. I think his legs have gone to play at that high tempo and high intensity.”
The former England captain added that if he were Liverpool manager, he would not allow Salah near the squad for the final game of the campaign.
“He’s almost dropped the grenade and said he doesn’t trust or believe in Arne Slot,” Rooney said. “That’s your manager. You can’t publicly disrespect him twice the way he has and get away with it.”
Salah, who announced in March that he would leave Liverpool FC at the end of the season, has endured a difficult campaign compared to previous years. After scoring 29 league goals during Liverpool’s title winning season under Slot last term, the 33 year old has managed just 12 goals in 40 appearances this season as Liverpool sit fifth in the Premier League table.
Rooney accused Salah of trying to “vindicate himself” after what he described as a poor season and suggested the winger’s comments could negatively affect the dressing room.
Despite his criticism, Rooney acknowledged Salah’s immense contribution to Liverpool, where he scored 257 goals and helped the club win six major trophies since joining in 2017.
Liverpool’s struggles this season have also increased pressure on Slot, though Rooney admitted he remains undecided on whether the Dutch manager should keep his job.
“I’m quite split on whether he should go or stay because he won the league last season,” Rooney said. “But some players look like they’ve downed tools and that’s a big problem.”
