Rooney Urges Liverpool to Drop Salah After Forest Defeat

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah Under Pressure After Nottingham Forest Loss

Liverpool’s recent 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest has intensified scrutiny on the club’s form and its leading stars, with Mohamed Salah at the center of the debate. Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has publicly advised manager Arne Slot to make a bold move: drop the Egyptian talisman to spur the Reds back into winning ways.

Liverpool’s Slump: Sixth Defeat Deepens Crisis

Liverpool’s Premier League campaign has taken a dramatic downturn following their hefty loss at the City Ground. The result marks their sixth defeat in seven league games, leaving the defending champions in the bottom half of the table and already 20 goals conceded in the 2025-26 season. The pressure mounts on head coach Arne Slot, whose post-match comments suggested solutions are “not that far away,” but fans and pundits are growing restless.

Wayne Rooney: “Salah Should Be Dropped”

On “The Wayne Rooney Show,” the former England captain didn’t mince words about Liverpool’s current predicament. Rooney stated, “If I was Slot, I’d make a big decision to shake up the team—Salah is not helping them defensively. If you’re a new player sitting on the bench, what message does it send when you see a legend not tracking back but still starting every game?” Rooney was clear: “I think it’s time to drop Salah. Get the side compact, make them hard to beat, everyone working back. Then, when momentum returns, Salah can come back into a more disciplined system.”

Mixed Opinions from Anfield Legends

Rooney isn’t alone in his views. Ex-Reds Jamie Carragher and Don Hutchison have echoed calls for Salah to be rested. However, Liverpool great John Barnes defended the forward, telling Mirror Football, “The system has changed. This isn’t just about Salah’s age. The team needs time to gel and adapt to new signings and tactics. Salah is still among our best eleven, even if he’s not the focal point as he once was.”

Barnes highlighted that with players like Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak now in the squad, Liverpool’s attack is less centered around Salah. “We’re not playing as fast, and he isn’t getting the same chances to use his pace. The squad needs to integrate, and Salah remains a vital asset.”

Mohamed Salah Set for AFCON Absence

Salah’s struggles in front of goal—just four Premier League goals so far—could be compounded by his upcoming absence. The Egyptian captain is due to join his national team for the Africa Cup of Nations in December, meaning Slot will be forced to navigate crucial fixtures without his star forward. Salah could miss key Premier League clashes against Tottenham, Wolves, Leeds, Fulham, Arsenal, and Burnley, as well as the FA Cup third round, with the tournament running from December 21 to January 18.

What’s Next for Liverpool and Slot?

Liverpool’s next challenge arrives quickly as they prepare to take on PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. The Eredivisie leaders are in fine form and will provide a stiff test at Anfield. Last season, PSV edged Liverpool 3-2 in Eindhoven, and a repeat would intensify scrutiny on Slot’s leadership.

Time for a Tactical Reset?

The growing consensus is that Liverpool need a tactical reset—whether that means dropping Salah or reinventing the team’s approach. Slot must find a balance between honoring established stars and demanding the collective effort needed to halt their current slide. As Barnes noted, “It’s about adapting and integrating, not scapegoating individuals.”

Opinion: The Salah Dilemma—Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain?

Dropping Mohamed Salah would undoubtedly be a seismic decision for Arne Slot, but sometimes bold choices are required to shake a team out of its slump. While Salah’s legacy at Liverpool is secure, recent performances suggest he isn’t untouchable. If a tactical reshuffle brings greater defensive solidity and re-energizes the squad, it could pay dividends in the long run. Ultimately, Slot’s ability to make tough calls and guide Liverpool through this challenging spell will define his tenure at Anfield.

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