Liverpool’s title defence continues to unravel after a shocking 3–0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield, marking Arne Slot’s 50th Premier League game in charge.
The reigning champions now sit 11th with 18 points, a dramatic fall from last season when they cruised to the title.
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It was their sixth league defeat already, compared to just four across the entire 2024/25 campaign.
With pressure mounting, Wayne Rooney has suggested that Slot must make decisive changes—starting with dropping Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool have now conceded six unanswered goals in two league matches, including a 3–0 loss to Manchester City before the international break.
Rooney believes a bold decision is needed to jolt the squad back to life.
Why Rooney Says Salah Should Be Benched
Speaking on his podcast, Rooney argued that Salah’s defensive work rate has dropped significantly, hurting the team’s shape and intensity.
He added that bench players watching Salah avoid tracking back could feel demotivated, as it sends the wrong message about accountability.
Rooney insists that during a poor run, Liverpool must become compact, disciplined, and defensively aggressive—something he believes is impossible with Salah’s current form.
Slot, he says, should temporarily bench the forward to restore balance and later reintegrate him once confidence returns, reports Give me sport.
Last season, Salah registered a staggering 57 goal involvements and won Premier League Player of the Season.
But this campaign has been different: just five goals in 17 appearances signal a clear decline, and Rooney believes a reset may help revive his impact.
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