Wayne Rooney publicly demanded that Liverpool drop Mohamed Salah from the squad for his farewell match at Anfield against Brentford on Sunday.. the former England captain’s outburst follows Salah’s own criticism of manager Arne Slot after Liverpool’s 4‑2 defeat to Aston Villa.

Rooney demands Salah be dropped for Brentford farewell

In a post that quickly went viral, Rooney said Salah had “crossed a line” and should not fetaure in the club’s final home game of the season... He framed the call as a matter of principle, arguing that a player who publicly undermines the manager cannot be rewarded with a sentimental appearance. "If you’re going to criticize the boss, you shouldn’t be on the pitch for the farewell," Rooney wrote, echoing a sentiment shared by some fans.

Salah’s Instagram rant after 4‑2 Villa loss fuels controversy

After Liverpool fell 4‑2 to Aston Villa, Salah entered as a late substitute and posted on social media that the team was “crumbling to yet another defeat” and needed a return to “heavy‑metal attacking football,” a phrase associated with Jürgen Klopp’s era. The post was interpreted as a direct jab at new manager Arne Slot, who has been trying to imprint his own tactical identity on the side.

Liverpool’s 4‑2 defeat to Aston Villa deepens scrutiny of Slot’s tenure

The Villa loss marked Liverpool’s third league defeat in five games, raising questions about Slot’s ability to stabilize the squad after Klopp’s departure. According to the report, the defeat exposed defensive frailties and a lack of cutting edge in the final third,prompting both players and pundits to voice frustration. The result also intensified scrutiny on Salah, who has been a key figure in the club’s attacking output for years.

Who will decide Salah’s fate for the Brentford game?

The final decision rests with Liverpool’s coaching staff , led by Arne Slot, who must balance squad harmony with the symbolic value of a farewell appearance for a club legend. Slot has not publicly responded to Rooney’s call, but insiders suggest he will weigh the player’s recent conduct against the desire to give fans a proper send‑off. The club’s medical team will also assess Salah’s fitness , as he is still returning from a hamstring injury.

Open question: Will the club prioritize discipline over sentiment?

Two specific uncertainties remain: whether Slot will bench Salah despite his status as a top scorer, and how the Liverpool board will address player‑manager relations after a high‑profile social‑media spat.. The source notes that no official comment has been made, leaving fans to speculate on the balance between discipline and tribute.