Full Breakdown
Wayne Rooney Urges Liverpool to Omit Mohamed Salah from Season Finale
5/18/2026, 11:39:00 AM
Rooney Calls for Salah's Omission from Final Match
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney publicly urged Liverpool to leave Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah out of the club’s final Premier League fixture of the season against Brentford at Anfield. Rooney made the comment on his “Wayne Rooney Show” podcast, arguing that Salah’s recent criticism of manager Arne Slot justifies his exclusion.
Background to Salah's Exit
Mohamed Salah, 33, will leave Liverpool after nine seasons in which he scored 257 goals and helped win six major trophies. His exit follows a 4-2 loss to Aston Villa that left the club’s Champions League qualification uncertain. In a social-media post, Salah called for a return to a “heavy-metal attacking team that opponents fear,” a message interpreted as a critique of Slot’s tactics.
Key Figures
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool forward and club’s top scorer; Wayne Rooney – former Manchester United striker and media commentator; Arne Slot – Liverpool manager appointed in 2023; Liverpool FC – Premier League club facing a squad decision.
Official Statements
Salah’s social-media message emphasized that the style of football he knows defines the club’s identity and must be non-negotiable, urging all players to adapt. Neither Liverpool’s management nor Arne Slot issued a public response to either Salah’s post or Rooney’s comments.
Criticism & Opposition
Rooney labelled Salah “selfish” and argued that his desire for “Jurgen Klopp football” conflicts with Slot’s system. He questioned Salah’s physical capacity, stating his legs cannot sustain the high-tempo, high-intensity style, and suggested that, if he were Slot, he would keep Salah out of the stadium for the final match.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He told the Wayne Rooney Show: "I find it sad at the end of what he's done and what he's achieved at Liverpool.” — Wayne Rooney, former Manchester United striker
- “He wants to play heavy metal football, so he's basically saying he wants Jurgen Klopp football.” — Wayne Rooney
- “If I was Arne Slot, I'd have him nowhere near the stadium in the last game.” — Wayne Rooney
- “That is the football I know how to play and that is the identity that needs to be recovered and kept for good.” — Mohamed Salah, Liverpool forward
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The sources do not confirm whether Liverpool will actually omit Salah from the Brentford match, and no comment from Arne Slot or the club’s official channels has been recorded. Salah’s response to Rooney’s remarks is also absent.
What’s Next
Liverpool’s selection for the Brentford fixture will determine if Salah makes his final appearance for the club.
