Wayne Rooney has called for Mohamed Salah to be left out of Liverpool's final match of the season against Brentford at Anfield, branding the Egyptian forward "selfish" for his latest public dig at head coach Arne Slot.

Salah used social media to respond to the Reds' 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa — a result that left Liverpool's Champions League qualification in genuine doubt — by calling on the club to rediscover their identity as a "heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear." The post was widely interpreted as a pointed critique of Slot's methods, and it landed as Salah prepares to leave Anfield at the end of the season after nine years and 257 goals.

Rooney, speaking on his own podcast, was unequivocal. "If I was Arne Slot, I'd have him nowhere near the stadium in the last game," he said. "That's your manager. You can't publicly disrespect him twice the way he has and get away with it."

A Grenade in the Dressing Room

The former Manchester United striker drew on his own experience, noting that Sir Alex Ferguson dropped him from the squad for his final game at Old Trafford following a disagreement between the two. Rooney suggested Slot ought to take a similar stance.

"He's almost just dropped the grenade," Rooney said of Salah. "He's said he doesn't trust or believe in Arne Slot and thrown his team-mates — who are staying next season — under the bus, leaving them to deal with the fallout."

Rooney also questioned the timing and motivation behind the post. Salah, 33, scored 29 Premier League goals as Liverpool romped to the title in Slot's first campaign, but has managed just 12 in 40 appearances in the current, disappointing defence of that crown. The Reds sit fifth in the table heading into the final weekend.

"I think Salah is trying to vindicate himself and make himself feel better because he's had a very poor season," Rooney said. "I think he's been very selfish — twice now. Fans will be on his side, but when you look deeper into it, having been in a dressing room in a similar situation, Mo Salah knows exactly what he's doing."

Slot's Future Under Question Too

Rooney did not restrict his analysis to Salah. He admitted he is genuinely torn over whether Slot should be given another season after what has been a chastening title defence, even as he acknowledged the Norwegian deserves credit for winning the league last term.

"I'm quite split on whether he should go or stay," he said. "He won the league last season — he deserves a bit more time. But I don't feel good saying this: some players look like they've downed tools, and that's a big problem for any manager."

Rooney also identified a structural issue eating away at Liverpool's home form, pointing out that the Klopp-era identity was built on pressing that fed off a raucous Anfield. "The first thing you want to do at Anfield is quieten the crowd. But Liverpool are quietening the crowd down themselves by not pressing."

The End of an Era

Salah announced his intention to leave in March. He departs as the club's record scorer in the Premier League era, a four-time Golden Boot winner, and a key figure in six major trophies. Yet Rooney insists sentiment should not shield the winger from consequences.

"Of course he deserves a good send-off for what he's achieved," Rooney said. "But does he deserve it after this? It's the second time. It's just a shame to see one of the great icons of Premier League football leave the game probably in this situation."

Whether Slot acts on the advice is another matter. Liverpool's season finale against Brentford kicks off at 16:00 BST on Sunday.

Frequently asked

Why does Wayne Rooney think Salah should be dropped?
Rooney believes Salah publicly disrespected manager Arne Slot on two separate occasions and acted selfishly at the end of his Liverpool career. He says a manager must pull rank in that situation, drawing on his own experience of being left out by Sir Alex Ferguson after a disagreement.
What did Salah say about Liverpool that caused the controversy?
After Liverpool's 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa, Salah posted on social media calling for the club to return to being a 'heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear', adding that it 'cannot be negotiable'. The post was widely seen as a criticism of Arne Slot's playing style.
When is Liverpool's last game of the season?
Liverpool host Brentford at Anfield on Sunday in their final Premier League fixture of the 2024-25 season, with kick-off at 16:00 BST.