Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Football, Liverpool, Mohamed Salah, Wayne Rooney, Arne Slot, Premier League
James Taylor
Topics: Football, Liverpool, Mohamed Salah, Wayne Rooney, Arne Slot, Premier League
Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has criticised Mohamed Salah for his bombshell interview following Liverpool's 3-3 draw at Leeds.
Liverpool twice surrendered a lead at Elland Road on Saturday night as their poor run of form continued.
For the second time in a week, Salah was left on the bench for the full 90 minutes.
After the match, the Egyptian forward walked into the mixed zone and delivered a stunning interview, claiming he had been '"thrown under the bus" by Liverpool.
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Salah added that his relationship with manager Arne Slot had broken down and suggested "someone didn't want him at the club".
His comments have cast fresh doubt over his Liverpool future, especially with Salah set to join up with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations next week.
The most immediate question is whether he will travel with the squad to Milan, where Liverpool face Inter on Tuesday night.
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The interview has sparked widespread criticism from pundits, including Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney said: "He is absolutely destroying his legacy at Liverpool.
"It would be sad for him to throw it all away. He's gone about it all wrong. Time catches up with all of us, and this season he hasn't looked at his best, at his sharpest.
"If I was one of his team-mates, I wouldn't be happy at all with what he said because this is where Liverpool need him most.
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"If anything, he has thrown Liverpool under the bus with his words.
"He's been absolutely incredible for Liverpool, but this was disrespectful to his team-mates, manager and fans.
"I would imagine he will be very quiet around the training ground and that will bring a negative energy in itself to the new players Arne has bedded in.”
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According to The Athletic, Salah's comments did not come as a complete shock, but they went further than expected.
After being benched for three consecutive matches, the club were aware he was unlikely to stay silent.
Despite Salah's criticism of Slot, the report adds that the Dutchman still retains the support of owners Fenway Sports Group.
The key question now is whether the situation between Slot and Salah can be repaired.
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There has been interest in Salah from both the Saudi Pro League and MLS, but it remains unclear whether he would be open to a move.
More immediately, Liverpool travel to Milan before hosting Brighton on Saturday - their final match before Salah departs for Afcon.
On his latest podcast episode, Rooney outlined what he believes Slot must do next.
"Arne Slot has to show his authority and pull him in and say 'you are not travelling with the team, what you said is not acceptable,'" he continued.
"Take yourself off to Afcon and let everything calm down. If I was him there would be no way he would be in the team."
Rooney concluded by saying the most important thing for Liverpool now is resolving the dispute.