Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney suggested Liverpool’s current Premier League crisis is partially linked to the emotional toll of a personal tragedy involving forward Diogo Jota, while also critiquing player effort and the challenge facing coach Arne Slot.
Rooney, speaking on “The Wayne Rooney Show” podcast, highlighted what he called the “effect” of a “tragedy” involving Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, on the Liverpool squad. He also referenced “the death of a former Portuguese international” as having an impact on player morale.
However, Rooney insisted that while such events “certainly have to have an impact,” they offer “no excuse for not fighting and not tackling” on the field.
He specifically called out star forward Mohamed Salah, stating he “isn’t helping defensively” and questioning the message this sends to substitute players.
Liverpool, the reigning English champions, currently sits 11th in the Premier League table after losing six of their last seven matches. The team has secured only 18 points from a possible 36 this season.
They are presently 11 points behind current league leader Arsenal.
Rooney advised coach Arne Slot to make a “big decision” to create an immediate impact on the team. He acknowledged Slot faces a significant task in getting the squad to play well and win again.
Rooney also noted the lingering presence of former coach Jürgen Klopp’s name amidst the team’s struggles, urging fans to “move on and support their coach.”
Liverpool management is reportedly considering dismissing Slot, despite him having led the team to an English championship just last season.
Slot himself has publicly stated he would never use the tragedy involving Jota as an excuse for the team’s recent lack of success.