Disappointing performance, Salah immediately faces heavy criticism

Wayne Rooney publicly condemned Mohamed Salah after Liverpool's 1-2 defeat to Chelsea, claiming the Egyptian forward's performance has dropped.

Liverpool experienced a disappointing run as they lost 1-2 to Chelsea at Anfield, marking the third consecutive defeat under coach Arne Slot. After the match, legend Wayne Rooney openly criticized Mohamed Salah, arguing that the Egyptian star is losing his fighting spirit and is affected by the arrival of expensive new signings.

According to Rooney, Salah’s recent decline in form stems not only from technical issues but also reflects psychological instability within Liverpool’s dressing room. The former Manchester United and Everton striker believes that the signings of stars like Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz have unsettled Salah’s position.

“Considering the money Liverpool spent on Isak, Ekitike, and Wirtz, I wonder what Salah is thinking right now. Top-class players tend to have big egos, and Salah has been one of the Premier League’s leading stars for years. But I have to question his work ethic lately,” Rooney shared with the British media.

Rooney believes Salah’s lack of effort in defensive support contributed to Liverpool’s costly defeat against Chelsea.

“I know Salah isn’t the type to track back often, but in the game against Chelsea, his fullback was being tormented while Salah just stood by. Players like Van Dijk or Alisson, even when not playing, need to remind him that the team always comes before the individual,” Rooney emphasized.

The former England captain noted that Salah appears “lost” on the pitch and has lost his usual focus. “He seemed disoriented over the past week. When things go well, scoring goals and winning, people tend to overlook it. But when the team struggles, his fighting spirit becomes a major concern.”

This is not the first time Rooney has questioned Salah’s mentality. Previously, he suggested that the signing of Isak from Newcastle might make the Egyptian star uncomfortable sharing the spotlight.

“Even though Salah has been Liverpool’s best player for many years, he won’t be happy when Isak arrives and gets a lot of attention,” Rooney said in September.

Rooney’s comments have sparked much debate among experts, especially as Liverpool needs to quickly improve to escape this disappointing streak and avoid early elimination from the Premier League title race.