Wayne Rooney has called on Arne Slot to exclude Mohamed Salah from Liverpool's final Premier League match this weekend, following the forward's latest public criticism of the manager. Rooney argued that Salah's recent comments about wanting "heavy metal attacking football" amount to a calculated dig at Slot and damage team morale ahead of next season.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the Manchester United legend drew parallels to his own experience under Sir Alex Ferguson, when he was dropped from the squad for Ferguson's final game at Old Trafford following a disagreement. Rooney suggested Slot should adopt a similar stance with Salah, who has endured a difficult 2024-25 campaign after being the Premier League's standout performer in the previous season.
A Pattern of Public Dissent
Salah's weekend comments represent his second public criticism of Slot's tactical approach this season. Rooney contended that these remarks are not genuine football critiques but rather deliberate attempts to vindicate himself following a disappointing individual season. "I think Salah's trying to vindicate himself and make himself feel better because he's had a very poor season," Rooney explained. "So I think he's been very selfish in what he's done on both occasions."
The Egyptian winger's struggles have coincided with Liverpool's disappointing title defence. The club has failed to win any trophies this term and has lost considerable ground in the Premier League title race, contributing to deteriorating fan sentiment toward Slot's uninspiring style of play. Salah, who will depart on a free transfer this summer, appears intent on shifting blame away from his own form decline.
Impact on Squad Dynamics
Rooney emphasized that Salah's public comments place unfair pressure on teammates who will remain at Anfield beyond this season. By essentially declaring a lack of confidence in Slot, Salah creates a fractious environment that undermines the manager's authority during a critical period. This dressing room tension could prove costly as Liverpool attempts to salvage something from a disappointing campaign.
The question now centers on whether Slot possesses the authority to enforce discipline in his final weeks as manager. With only one match remaining, dropping Salah would send a clear message about standards and accountability—values essential for rebuilding trust with supporters who have grown increasingly frustrated this season.
