Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has criticised Salah for Liverpool’s slump, urging the Reds boss, Arne Slot, to consider leaving Salah out of the starting lineup.
According to Sky Sport on Monday, Rooney was referring to Liverpool’s Saturday’s 3–0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest, which marked another match in which the Egyptian forward, despite scoring five times this season, has failed to contribute a goal or an assist.
“If I were Slot, I’d try and make a big decision just so it has an impact on the rest of the team,” said Rooney in his latest podcast episode.
“Salah is not helping them defensively.
“If you’re one of the players who they’ve signed and you’re on the bench and you’ve seen him not running – and again he’s a club legend and everything he’s done for the club – but if you’re on the bench, then what message does that send to you?” Rooney said.
The 33-year-old became the first player in Premier League history to finish a season with the most goals and assists and win the player of the season award last term.
His dazzling form coincided with a successful first season in charge for Slot, as he guided Liverpool to the title after succeeding Jurgen Klopp.
After a busy summer transfer window – including the arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak for a combined outlay of £241m – the Reds have struggled.
Liverpool sit 11th in the table, with 18 points from 12 games.
“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.
“But then there’s no excuse for not fighting and not tackling,” the five-time Premier League winner added.
