Wayne Rooney has expressed concerns about Mohamed Salah's recent comments, suggesting they might harm his legacy at Liverpool. Salah voiced his frustration after being benched for the third consecutive Premier League match. The game ended in a 3-3 draw against Leeds United, with Liverpool squandering their lead twice. Rooney believes Salah's remarks could affect how Liverpool fans perceive him.
Salah is on the brink of surpassing Rooney's record for the most goal involvements for a single club in Premier League history. However, he mentioned a strained relationship with manager Arne Slot and uncertainty about his future. Rooney thinks Salah's actions could damage his standing among Liverpool supporters.
Rooney advised that Slot should assert control
by excluding Salah from the team temporarily. "Arne Slot has to show his authority and pull him in and say 'you are not travelling with the team, what you said is not acceptable'," Rooney stated on The Wayne Rooney Show. He suggested that Salah take time away at the Africa Cup of Nations to let tensions ease.
Rooney further commented on Salah's current form, noting that age affects everyone and this season he hasn't been at his peak. "Time catches up with all of us, and this season he hasn't looked as his best, at his sharpest," Rooney added. He urged Salah to prove himself again rather than relying on past achievements.
Salah's words have reportedly caused unrest within the team. Rooney feels that such statements can bring negative energy, especially among new players integrated by Slot. "I would imagine he will be very quiet around the training ground and that will bring a negative energy in itself to the new players Arne has bedded in," said Rooney.
This season, Salah has contributed six goal involvements in the Premier League. Last season, he equalled a record with 47 goal involvements as Liverpool clinched the title under Slot's guidance. Despite these achievements, Rooney believes Salah's recent comments were disrespectful to teammates, management, and fans.
Salah's Future Moves
Salah is set to join Egypt’s national team on December 15 for the Africa Cup of Nations starting later this month. His departure comes amid ongoing speculation about his future at Liverpool following his public grievances.
Rooney concluded by saying that if he were one of Salah’s teammates, he wouldn’t be pleased with such remarks during a crucial period for Liverpool. "If I was one of his team-mates, I wouldn't be happy at all with what he said because this is where Liverpool need him most," Rooney remarked.
