"I feel very sad witnessing the end for a dedicated servant who has achieved so much at Liverpool", Rooney shared on the BBC's Wayne Rooney Show on 17/5. "His action of coming out and continuing to subtly attack Slot is completely unacceptable. Salah stated he wants to play 'heavy metal' football, which basically means he wants Jurgen Klopp's playing style. But at this point, I do not think Salah has enough energy to meet that system anymore. I think his legs have run out of steam to play with such high tempo and intensity".

The Wayne Rooney Show launched on BBC in late 2025. Photo: BBC Sport

The message from Salah that Rooney referred to was written by the Egyptian star on his personal Instagram page after Liverpool's 2-4 loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League on 16/5. Salah expressed his disappointment that Liverpool "collapsed again in another defeat" and called for the team to return to "heavy metal attacking football", a high-intensity, relentless style of play with many transitional situations that became synonymous with former coach Klopp.

In that match at Villa Park, Salah had just returned from injury and came on as a substitute in the 74th minute. The 33-year-old winger is set to leave Anfield after this season, a season where his relationship with Slot has been tested multiple times. Previously, Salah had explicitly stated that he "had no relationship" with the Dutch coach.

Rooney believes Salah has completely crossed the line with his latest outburst. The former Man Utd star called on Slot to drop the player born in 1992 from the squad for the farewell match at Anfield against Brentford on 24/5.

Coach Slot is under pressure but still states he will continue to lead Liverpool next season. Photo: Reuters

"If I were Slot, I would not let Salah come anywhere near the stadium for the final game", the former England forward related to his own past under Sir Alex Ferguson. "I went through this with Sir Alex. I had disagreements and a rift with him, and in my last game at Old Trafford, Sir Alex dropped me from the squad for that reason".

"Salah almost dropped a bombshell by declaring that he does not trust Slot, while also putting his teammates — who will remain next season — in a difficult position by making them bear the consequences and face this awkward situation", Rooney added.

The loss to Villa has increased pressure on Slot. Liverpool is currently fifth and not guaranteed a Champions League spot after losing 12 of their 37 Premier League matches. Fan discontent towards the Dutch strategist is growing, with whistles echoing across Anfield.

Salah's frustration also stems from a disappointing individual season, despite having won 9 titles with Liverpool over nine years. After winning the 2024-2025 Premier League Player of the Season award with 29 goals and 18 assists, the forward has only scored 7 goals and provided 6 assists this season.

Salah came on in the 74th minute during the Aston Villa match at Villa Park on 16/5. Photo: Reuters

Rooney believes Salah's statements are partly an attempt to distract public opinion from his lackluster performance in his final season at Merseyside. "I think Salah is trying to justify his actions and make himself feel better because he has had a very bad season", Rooney opined. "Therefore, I find his behavior very selfish on both occasions. It is a shame, and fans might side with him, but when you look deeper into the issue, and having been in a similar dressing room situation myself, Salah knows exactly what he is doing".

"Regardless, that is your coach", the former England international further analyzed. "You cannot publicly disrespect him twice, as Salah has done, without facing any punishment. So, if I were Slot, I would have to assert my authority and bluntly say: 'Listen, you will not be coming here this weekend, whether you like it or not'. I seriously doubt Slot will do that, but I think he should".

"Of course, Salah deserves a proper farewell, but does he deserve it after what he has done? This is the second time. It is regrettable to witness one of the great icons of the Premier League leave the league under such circumstances", Rooney concluded.

Ha Phuong compiled