Wayne Rooney has publicly blamed Liverpool’s recent slump in form on Mohamed Salah, spotlighting the star forward’s declining work ethic and defensive contributions as critical factors in the team’s struggles. The former Manchester United and England striker criticized Salah for his apparent lack of defensive effort and leadership during Liverpool’s recent defeats, underlining this as a departure from the commitment expected at the reigning Premier League champions.
Rooney’s critique came during a BBC podcast episode, where he scrutinized Salah’s performance amid a difficult period for Liverpool that has seen the team lose multiple matches consecutively and lose their grip on the league’s top position. Rooney specifically pointed to a recent 2-1 loss against Chelsea, where Salah’s supposed failure to track opposing winger Marc Cucurella allowed a late decisive goal against Liverpool. “When Salah fails to decide a game with goals or assists, his other play becomes apparent,” Rooney remarked, adding, “His fullback was being destroyed, but Salah didn’t even glance back” to support defensively.
This absence of defensive support, Rooney argued, exacerbated Liverpool’s instability on the field during this slump.He also highlighted the contrast with his own playing days, citing how managers would adapt a player like Cristiano Ronaldo—who also had defensive limitations—by changing their positions to maintain team balance. Rooney urged that Salah now needs a similar “change” to avoid damage to his reputation and the team’s performance, stating, “His attitude can be tolerated when the team is performing well, but during a losing streak like this, his posture is clearly problematic.” Rooney emphasized the need for the Liverpool leadership, including defenders like Virgil van Dijk who also signed a new contract, to step up in guiding the team through the crisis.
Liverpool’s slump is notable considering their strong start to the season and contrast with last year’s success when Salah was the league’s top scorer and vital to their championship run. The team has since dropped to seventh in the Premier League standings, with experts and fans alike highlighting the lack of cohesion and leadership on the pitch. Rooney’s comments have stirred debate about Salah’s role and responsibility, adding to the pressure on the player and manager Arne Slot to find urgent tactical solutions.
The implications of Rooney’s criticism extend beyond individual performance, shedding light on the broader issues facing Liverpool amidst a challenging season marked by tactical adjustments, key player form dips, and emotional struggles following the loss of teammate Diogo Jota. With significant matches looming, including a Champions League clash against Real Madrid, Liverpool’s response to these criticisms and their ability to restore team unity and effectiveness will be crucial in determining their season’s trajectory.
In response to Rooney’s remarks and the club’s current form, Liverpool may need to reconsider tactical changes, perhaps adjusting Salah’s role or increasing the defensive support he receives to regain balance and resilience.
The coming weeks will be critical as the club aims to halt the slide and reclaim its status among the Premier League’s elite.This situation underscores how even top players like Salah are not immune to scrutiny when their performance impacts their team’s fortunes, particularly in times of crisis. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Liverpool’s leadership can inspire a turnaround that addresses both individual and collective shortcomings on the field.
