In response to Salah’s social media post following Liverpool’s 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa – in which the Egyptian called for a return to Klopp’s heavy metal football and questioned the club’s identity under Arne Slot – the former Manchester United and England captain delivered a sharp and direct verdict.
“I just think for Salah to come out and aim another dig at Arne Slot – it’s really disappointing,” Rooney said. “He’s talking about wanting to play Jurgen Klopp’s style of football. It’s just sad. If I was Slot, I’d have him nowhere near the stadium.”
Rooney acknowledged Salah’s contribution to Liverpool but drew a line between loyalty and timing.
“I get everything he’s done for Liverpool. But to have a second dig at him – I think it’s gone too far.”
MORE: Salah demands return to Klopp’s heavy metal football
The Manchester United legend drew on his own experience to make the point. Rooney had a well-documented falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson towards the end of his time at Old Trafford, and said he understood the complexity of such situations.
“I had a disagreement and fallout with Sir. At his last game at Old Trafford, he left me out of the squad. Whether I thought he was wrong, he probably thinks he was right. At the end of the day, he’s the manager.”
“If I was Slot I’d have him nowhere near the stadium” 👀
Wayne Rooney is not happy with Mohamed Salah’s comments on Liverpool. pic.twitter.com/zLt5OpDwzw
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 18, 2026
Rooney also raised concerns about the impact Salah’s statement would have on his teammates who remain at the club beyond this season.
“Salah’s just dropped the grenade. He doesn’t trust and believe in Arne Slot and almost turned it on his teammates who are going to be there next season and let them have to deal with that. He’s put them in a tough position. It’s sad.”
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Several of Salah’s Liverpool teammates – including Andrew Robertson, Dominik Szoboszlai, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo, Hugo Ekitike and former captain Jordan Henderson – liked the post on Instagram.
Liverpool’s Champions League qualification remains in serious doubt heading into the final day. A win in their last fixture is the minimum required to keep their top-four hopes alive.
Photo: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
