Wayne Rooney has publicly criticized Mo Salah following the Liverpool forward’s recent comments, labeling him “arrogant” and suggesting that he is jeopardizing his legacy at the club. In a striking interview, Salah expressed frustration over being benched for three consecutive matches under manager Arne Slot, asserting that the club had “thrown him under the bus.”
Salah’s remarks came after Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Leeds, where he stated, “It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling.” He claimed that someone within the organization wanted him to shoulder the blame for recent performances, adding, “I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don’t have any relationship. It is not acceptable for me. I don’t know why this is happening to me.”
Since signing a new contract with Liverpool in April 2023, Salah has expressed disappointment over what he perceives as broken promises by the club. His comments have sparked significant backlash, particularly from Rooney, who addressed the situation on his show. Rooney stated, “Salah is absolutely destroying his legacy at Liverpool. It would be sad for him to throw it all away. He’s gone about it all wrong.”
Rooney emphasized that while Salah has been exceptional for Liverpool—scoring 29 Premier League goals last season—his current attitude is detrimental to the team’s dynamics. “To have the arrogance to say he doesn’t have to earn his place because he has already earned his place, you need to be at your best every week to try and stay in the team,” he remarked.
The Manchester United legend argued that Salah’s comments could create unrest among his teammates, highlighting that “this is where Liverpool need him most.” Rooney further asserted that Salah’s statements were disrespectful not only to his teammates but also to Arne Slot and the fans.
Rooney pointed to the potential negative impact of Salah’s demeanor on the squad, suggesting that he might be fostering a “negative energy” around the training ground. He urged Slot to take decisive action, stating, “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.’”
With Salah suggesting that Liverpool’s upcoming home match against Brighton could be his last before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Egypt, the situation remains tense. Rooney’s call for accountability highlights the importance of team cohesion during a challenging season for the club.
As Liverpool navigates this turbulent period, all eyes will be on Salah’s response and the club’s management of the situation, particularly as they prepare for critical matches ahead.
