Wayne Rooney has publicly criticized Mo Salah following the Egyptian forward’s recent comments about Liverpool’s management. In a surprising interview, Salah accused the club of “throwing him under the bus” after being benched for three consecutive games under manager Arne Slot. This statement came after Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds, where Salah expressed feelings of betrayal and disappointment.
In his interview, Salah stated, “It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling.” He elaborated on his strained relationship with Slot, claiming, “I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don’t have any relationship.” Salah also suggested that Liverpool had not honored promises made to him when he signed a new contract in April.
Rooney, a legendary figure at Manchester United, responded to Salah’s remarks on his show, asserting that it is the player himself who risks damaging his legacy at Liverpool. He said, “[Salah] is absolutely destroying his legacy at Liverpool. It would be sad for him to throw it all away.” Rooney emphasized the importance of humility and performance, urging Salah to demonstrate commitment and resilience rather than arrogance.
The former striker pointed out that despite Salah’s impressive record last season, where he scored 29 Premier League goals, his current form has not matched expectations, with only four goals this season. Rooney stressed that all players must continually prove their worth to remain in the starting lineup. “You need to be at your best every week to try and stay in the team,” he noted.
Rooney highlighted the potential negative impact of Salah’s comments on team morale. “If I was one of his teammates, I wouldn’t be happy at all with what he said because this is where Liverpool need him most,” he explained. He further suggested that Salah’s attitude could bring a “negative energy” to the squad, especially affecting new players. Rooney advised Slot to assert his authority by considering whether Salah should travel with the team for upcoming matches.
As Salah prepares for his potential departure for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), he hinted that Liverpool’s next home game against Brighton could be his last before leaving for international duty. Rooney’s comments have sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the dynamics within the Liverpool squad and the implications for Salah’s future at the club.
In the wake of this controversy, it remains to be seen how Liverpool will respond to both Salah’s claims and Rooney’s critique. The coming weeks will be crucial for the team as they navigate these internal challenges.
