Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has blamed Salah for Liverpool’s downturn, pressing manager Arne Slot to consider dropping Salah from the starting lineup.
According to Sky Sports on Monday, Rooney was alluding to Liverpool’s 3-0 loss at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, which marked another game in which the Egyptian forward, despite scoring five times this season, failed to produce 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.
Last season, the 33-year-old became the first player in Premier League history to finish with the most goals and assists while also winning the Player of the Season accolade.
His stunning form coincided with Slot’s brilliant first season in command, as he led Liverpool to the title after succeeding Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds have struggled following a lucrative summer transfer window, which included the signings of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak for a combined fee of £241 million.
Liverpool are 11th in the rankings, 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 those are 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.
