Wayne Rooney urges Arne Slot to drop Mohamed Salah as Liverpool stumble
Wayne Rooney argues Arne Slot should consider benching Mohamed Salah to spark a response as Liverpool stumble, with the Reds mid-table and under mounting pressure.
Liverpool's season has hit a rough patch, prompting questions about how the team should re-balance itself. In a recent podcast, Wayne Rooney argued that Arne Slot should consider benching Mohamed Salah to spark an immediate response from the squad.
The Egyptian forward has five goals this campaign and contributed little in the 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, raising questions about his defensive work and overall involvement.
Rooney suggested that taking Salah out of the starting XI could send a message to teammates who might otherwise be left on the bench, even though Salah remains a club legend for his contributions.
Last season, the 33-year-old finished as the Premier League's top scorer and assisted the most goals, while Slot enjoyed a strong first year in charge, guiding Liverpool to the title as Klopp's successor.
After a busy summer with heavy outlays on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, Liverpool have struggled to find rhythm. They sit 11th in the table with 18 points from 12 games, a far cry from expectation.
Rooney added that the squad's difficulties aren’t only about one player; injuries like Diogo Jota's absence have affected the balance and momentum of the team, though he cautioned that effort and fight must still be evident on the pitch.
Captain Virgil van Dijk acknowledged that everyone must shoulder responsibility as the club confronts a spell with only one win in seven league games, and some fans feel Slot is under increasing pressure to prove success after Klopp.
Rooney believes Slot now faces a pivotal challenge to rebuild confidence and get Liverpool back to competing for top spots, while fans must rally behind the manager during this tough period.
What is at stake for Slot
Nearly a year into Slot's tenure, the spotlight remains on his ability to balance star quality with collective discipline, especially as Klopp’s legacy continues to be a talking point among supporters and pundits alike.
Key Takeaways
- Salah’s current form is under scrutiny, and a tactical shift may be considered.
- Slot faces pressure to restore consistency and mutual effort across the lineup.
- Injuries like Jota's have disrupted Liverpool's balance and momentum.
- The Klopp-era shadow intensifies scrutiny of Slot’s decision-making.
Expert Comment
The football analyst said Slot must balance star power with team needs, warning that short-term cuts can provoke a sharper response from teammates. Focus should stay on collective effort rather than heroics.
Summary
Liverpool's form dip has revived debate about how to maximize a star-heavy attack while keeping defensive discipline. Rooney's comments add fuel to the discussion about whether Salah should be used differently or rested. Slot now faces a critical test to rebuild momentum and restore confidence across the squad.
Key insight: Dropping a talisman can reset dynamics and prompt a renewed response from the group. BBC Sport
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