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The fallout from Mohamed Salah’s post-match comments has rocked Liverpool, with Wayne Rooney accusing the star forward of arrogance and calling for him to be dropped.
Rooney: “He’s Destroying His Legacy”
Wayne Rooney didn’t mince words on his BBC podcast, claiming Salah is tearing down his Liverpool legacy after the winger’s public criticism of head coach Arne Slot. Following a third straight game on the bench, Salah told reporters he felt the club had “thrown [him] under the bus” and admitted he no longer has a relationship with Slot.
Rooney urged the Liverpool boss to take a hard line:
“Arne Slot has to show his authority and pull him in and say, ‘you’re not travelling with the team’.”
The former England captain believes Salah should be left out of upcoming matches against Inter Milan and Brighton, and even suggested he leave early for the Africa Cup of Nations to cool tensions.
The Breaking Point: “I Couldn’t Believe I Was on the Bench”
Salah’s emotional statement came after he was benched for Liverpool’s chaotic 3-3 draw against Leeds. With only 45 minutes of playing time across the past three matches, the 33-year-old finally snapped, claiming:
“I couldn’t believe I was sitting on the bench for 90 minutes… it’s the first time in my career, I think.”
The Egyptian international also said the club hadn’t kept its promises and implied that someone at Liverpool was working against him.
“It seems like someone does not want me in the club,” he added, before hinting that the Brighton fixture could be a farewell of sorts:
“I called my mum and dad and told them to come… I’m just going to enjoy it and say goodbye to the fans.”
Tensions Behind the Scenes
Despite signing a massive £400,000-a-week contract earlier this year, Salah has found himself sidelined in recent weeks amid what many see as a sharp dip in form. He has four Premier League goals this season—still just one behind top scorer Hugo Ekitike—but he had 13 by this point last year.
Rooney pulled no punches, arguing that Salah has brought this situation on himself:
“Time catches up with all of us. He hasn’t looked at his sharpest. You want him to roll up his sleeves and fight for his place, not act like he’s above that.”
The comments didn’t sit well with Rooney, who added:
“If I was one of his team-mates, I wouldn’t be happy at all. This is when Liverpool need him most, and instead he’s thrown them under the bus.”
A History of Speaking Out
This isn’t the first time Salah has gone public with grievances. Last season, during a contract standoff, he told media he was “more out than in.” He’s long been a fiercely independent voice—but this latest episode might be his most damaging.
For now, Salah insists he’s not the problem:
“I am not bigger than the club… but I have earned my place.”
He declined to comment on reported interest from Saudi clubs, leaving the door open to a potential exit.
What Next for Salah?
With over 360 goal contributions, two league titles, and a Champions League to his name, Salah is undeniably one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players. But history hasn’t been kind to departing stars at Anfield. Just ask Philippe Coutinho or Michael Owen.
If Salah wants to avoid a bitter farewell, something will have to give—and soon. Whether Slot extends an olive branch or draws a line in the sand could shape not only the rest of Liverpool’s season, but how Salah is remembered on Merseyside.
