Rooney: Mohamed Salah does not deserve Anfield farewell after Slot criticism

Wayne Rooney has launched a scathing attack on Mohamed Salah, insisting the Liverpool forward should be denied a farewell appearance at Anfield following his public criticism of manager Arne Slot.

The former Manchester United captain did not hold back in his assessment, arguing that Salah’s recent comments have undermined both the manager and the squad at a crucial stage of the season.

Liverpool’s campaign has unravelled in recent weeks, with a damaging 4-2 loss to Aston Villa severely denting their hopes of securing Champions League football.

In the aftermath, Salah openly questioned the team’s direction, calling for a return to a more aggressive and feared attacking style.

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

Salah, who is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, departs as one of the club’s most decorated modern players.

The Egyptian has scored 257 goals and helped deliver six major trophies during his time on Merseyside, cementing his legacy as a central figure in the club’s recent success.

However, Rooney believes that legacy is now being overshadowed by his conduct off the pitch.

“He wants to play heavy metal football, so he’s basically saying he wants Jürgen Klopp football. 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 went further, suggesting that if he were in Slot’s position, he would exclude Salah entirely from Liverpool’s final home fixture of the season against Brentford.

Drawing from his own experience under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, Rooney pointed to the importance of discipline and unity within the dressing room.

“If I was Arne Slot, I’d have him nowhere near the stadium in the last game. I had it with Alex Ferguson. I had a disagreement and fall out and at Alex Ferguson’s last game at Old Trafford, he left me out of the squad for that reason.”

The criticism reflects a broader concern about the timing and tone of Salah’s remarks, particularly with the club navigating a difficult transition.

Rooney believes the forward’s comments have placed unnecessary pressure on teammates who will remain beyond the current campaign.

“He’s almost just dropped the grenade and said he doesn’t trust and believe in Arne Slot and almost thrown his teammates who are going to be there next season and let them have to deal with that as well and put them into a position.”

Liverpool will close out a disappointing, trophyless season at home this weekend, in what was expected to be a celebratory send-off for one of their greatest players.

Instead, uncertainty now surrounds whether Salah will even feature, as the fallout from his remarks continues to dominate the narrative heading into the final match.