Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has sparked debate by criticizing Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, calling him “selfish” and suggesting he should be left out of the squad for the club’s final Premier League game of the season against Brentford at Anfield.
Rooney’s comments come after Salah publicly expressed his desire for Liverpool to return to a high-intensity, attacking style of play—often described as “heavy metal football.” This philosophy was strongly associated with former manager Jurgen Klopp and is characterized by aggressive pressing, quick transitions, and relentless attacking movement.
Following Liverpool’s disappointing 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa—a result that jeopardized their chances of securing a Champions League place—Salah took to social media to voice his concerns. He emphasized that Liverpool must rediscover their identity as a fearless attacking team that opponents find difficult to handle. He further suggested that this philosophy should be non-negotiable and that all players joining the club must adapt to it.
While Salah did not explicitly name current manager Arne Slot, his remarks were widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of Slot’s tactical approach. This has added tension to an already challenging season for Liverpool, who have struggled to replicate their previous success.
Salah, now 33, is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season after an extraordinary nine-year spell at the club. During his time at Anfield, he has scored an impressive 257 goals and contributed significantly to six major trophies, cementing his status as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.
Despite his legacy, Rooney believes Salah’s recent actions have been damaging. Speaking on his show, Rooney expressed disappointment at how the Egyptian forward has handled the situation. He argued that Salah’s public comments undermine the authority of the manager and create unnecessary distractions within the team.
Rooney went further, suggesting that if he were in Slot’s position, he would exclude Salah from the squad entirely for the final match. Drawing on his own experience under legendary manager Alex Ferguson, Rooney recalled a similar situation in which he was left out of a match following a disagreement. He implied that strong leadership sometimes requires difficult decisions, even when it involves high-profile players.
According to Rooney, Salah’s remarks effectively signal a lack of trust in the current manager and place additional pressure on teammates who will remain at the club next season. He described the situation as akin to “dropping a grenade,” suggesting that it disrupts team unity and shifts attention away from on-field performance.
The criticism also reflects concerns about Salah’s current form. While he was instrumental in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign last season—scoring 29 goals and winning the Premier League Golden Boot—his performances this season have declined. He has managed only 12 goals in 40 appearances, a significant drop compared to his usual standards.
Rooney believes Salah’s comments may be an attempt to justify his underwhelming season. He argued that the forward is trying to “vindicate himself” by shifting focus onto tactical issues rather than his own performances. In Rooney’s view, this behavior is selfish and does not reflect well on a player of Salah’s stature.
He also highlighted the importance of respecting the manager, stating that no player should publicly criticize their coach, especially on multiple occasions. Rooney suggested that such actions set a poor example and can erode discipline within the squad.
While acknowledging that Salah deserves recognition for his contributions to the club, Rooney questioned whether he should be given a celebratory farewell under the current circumstances. He described the situation as unfortunate, noting that it is disappointing to see one of the Premier League’s greatest players potentially leave on a sour note.
Liverpool’s struggles this season extend beyond Salah’s individual form. The team’s overall performance has been inconsistent, and their failure to defend the league title has increased scrutiny on Slot. Fans have grown frustrated with what they perceive as a lack of intensity and identity compared to previous seasons.
Rooney pointed out a noticeable change in the atmosphere at Anfield. Traditionally, opposing teams would aim to silence the crowd early in matches, but he believes Liverpool’s own style of play is now having that effect. The reduced pressing and slower tempo have, in his view, contributed to a quieter and less intimidating environment.
Despite these concerns, Rooney admitted he is conflicted about Slot’s future. On one hand, he recognizes that the manager led the team to a league title in his first season and therefore deserves time to build and implement his vision. On the other hand, the current decline raises questions about whether he can maintain the club’s competitive edge.
Another worrying sign, according to Rooney, is the apparent lack of effort from some players. He suggested that certain individuals appear to have “downed tools,” a phrase used to describe players who are no longer fully committed. If true, this would represent a serious issue for any manager, as it indicates deeper problems within the squad.
As Liverpool prepare for their final match of the season, the focus remains divided between on-field performance and off-field drama. Salah’s impending departure, combined with tensions surrounding the team’s identity and leadership, has created a complex and uncertain situation.
The outcome of the Brentford match may not significantly impact the standings, but it carries symbolic importance. It could serve as a farewell for Salah, a test of Slot’s authority, and a glimpse into the team’s future direction.
Ultimately, this episode highlights the challenges of managing a top-level football club, where expectations are high and scrutiny is constant. Balancing the contributions of star players with the need for unity and discipline is never easy, and Liverpool now face crucial decisions as they look ahead to the next season.
