Rooney Questions Slot's Aura as Liverpool Manager Amid Title Defence Woes
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has publicly questioned whether Liverpool boss Arne Slot possesses the requisite aura to lead the Anfield club effectively, despite the Dutchman securing the Premier League title just last season. Rooney's comments come at a time when Slot's position is under increasing scrutiny, with Liverpool languishing in sixth place in the league table, a staggering fifteen points behind leaders Arsenal.
Scrutiny Intensifies as Liverpool's Title Defence Falters
The pressure on Slot has mounted significantly due to Liverpool's pitiful attempt to defend their Premier League crown. The team's current sixth-place standing represents a dramatic fall from grace, raising serious doubts about the manager's long-term future at the club. This situation is further complicated by the availability of several top-class managers in the football market, including fan-favourite Xabi Alonso, who is currently out of work following his departure from Real Madrid.
Rooney elaborated on his views during an appearance on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet. He expressed his bewilderment at the notion of Slot being on an audition to retain his job, given his recent championship success. 'It's strange isn't it when you're talking about Slot being on an audition to keep his job when he has obviously recently won the Premier League,' Rooney remarked.
A Direct Comparison to the Klopp Era
The former England striker revealed that his assessment is partly based on personal interactions, stating he has met Slot on a couple of occasions. Rooney contrasted Slot's demeanour with that of his charismatic predecessor, Jurgen Klopp. 'I have met him a couple of times, but I just don't think, for Liverpool, he has that aura – and maybe that's because Liverpool have just come off the back of Jurgen Klopp as manager – it's difficult for anyone to do that but I just don't think there is that aura about him,' he explained.
Rooney was unequivocal in outlining what he believes Slot must achieve to secure his position. 'I have spoken to managers, and I know they can be difficult at times, but if he doesn't get them top five in the Premier League, he will be gone, for sure. It's crazy to say when he has just won the Premier League,' he asserted, highlighting the precarious nature of top-flight management.
Analysing Liverpool's On-Field Struggles
Attempting to pinpoint the root causes of Liverpool's disappointing campaign, Rooney argued that the loss of key personnel has significantly hampered the champions. He cited specific examples of underperformance and absence within the squad. 'If you look at Liverpool last season to now, [Mohamed] Salah and [Virgil] van Dijk haven't been their best. Then you've got Trent [Alexander-Arnold] who's missing, [Andy] Robertson hasn't played a lot of games, Luiz Díaz [left] and the [Diogo] Jota situation,' Rooney detailed.
He also mentioned Darwin Núñez, noting that while the striker was not exceptional, he contributed something valuable. 'Even Darwin Núñez brought something, he wasn't great, but he brought something. Liverpool have lost a lot of players so it sorts of a rebuild period [for them],' he added, suggesting the team is in a transitional phase.
Rooney's Surprise Defence of Van Dijk
In a surprising twist, Rooney launched a defence of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, with whom he had a public disagreement earlier this season after the Dutch defender took issue with his criticism. Rooney acknowledged that key players like van Dijk and Mohamed Salah may have lost a step, but contextualised their struggles.
'With Liverpool and what has happened since last season, van Dijk and [Mohamed] Salah – which I have been vocal about this season – may have lost a yard or two, and they are the two leaders of the team. The players they have lost around them would make it very difficult for any side to win the title,' he stated.
Rooney was keen to ensure their legacies were not tarnished by the team's collective difficulties. 'That should not count against van Dijk and Salah. For me, Salah is one of the Premier League's greatest of all time, and van Dijk will be in the conversation as one of the best. I don't think he is the best ever, but in this generation, he is certainly the best centre-back, so you cannot hold that against those two players.'
The overarching narrative remains one of intense pressure on Arne Slot, with a club legend like Wayne Rooney publicly questioning his suitability for one of football's most demanding roles, all while Liverpool navigate a challenging period of reconstruction on the pitch.
