Wayne Rooney urges Liverpool boss Arne Slot to bench Salah following 3–0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, citing defensive concerns.

Liverpool, England, 24 November 2025 — Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has urged Liverpool manager Arne Slot to consider benching Mohamed Salah following the Reds’ 3–0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

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Speaking on his latest podcast, Rooney criticised the Egyptian forward for failing to contribute goals or assists despite scoring five times this season.

“If I were Slot, I’d try and make a big decision just so it has an impact on the rest of the team,” Rooney said. “Salah is not helping them defensively.

If you’re a new signing on the bench and you see him not running – and again he’s a club legend – what message does that send?”

The 33-year-old Salah made Premier League history last season, becoming the first player to lead in both goals and assists while also winning the Player of the Season award, helping Slot secure a successful first title-winning campaign after succeeding Jurgen Klopp.

Despite a busy summer transfer window that saw Liverpool spend £241 million on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, the club has struggled, sitting 11th in the Premier League with 18 points from 12 matches.

Rooney also acknowledged the impact of teammate injuries, referencing Diogo Jota’s absence, but emphasised that there is no excuse for lack of effort on the pitch.

“You’ve probably got to look at the effect of what sadly happened to Jota,” Rooney said. “But then there’s no excuse for not fighting and not tackling.”