Rooney Says “Selfish” Salah Should Be Dropped for Liverpool’s Final Game

Salah recently voiced frustration following Liverpool’s 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa FC, a result that damaged the club’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. In a social media post, the Egyptian forward said Liverpool must return to being a “heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear,” comments widely interpreted as criticism of manager Arne Slot.

The 33-year-old, who is expected to leave Liverpool at the end of the season after scoring 257 goals and winning six major trophies during his nine-year stay, said the club’s attacking identity “cannot be negotiable” and that all players joining the team should adapt to it.

Rooney, speaking on the Wayne Rooney Show, said he was disappointed by Salah’s public remarks and accused him of undermining both the manager and his teammates.

“I find it sad at the end of what he’s done and achieved at Liverpool,” Rooney said. “It’s not the point for him to come out and aim another dig at Slot.”

The former Manchester United striker also questioned whether Salah still has the physical ability to play the intense, high-tempo football associated with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

“Now I don’t think Mo Salah can cope with that type of football anymore. I think his legs have gone to play at that high tempo and high intensity,” Rooney added.

Rooney went further by saying that if he were in Slot’s position, he would exclude Salah from Liverpool’s final match entirely. He compared the situation to his own fallout with former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, which resulted in him being left out of Ferguson’s final home game at Old Trafford.

According to Rooney, Salah’s comments have placed unnecessary pressure on both the club and players who will remain next season.