Mo Salah called out again as Wayne Rooney backed up after laying into Liverpool star
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Slot made headlines when he benched Salah for last week's loss to Galatasaray, and the forward faced further criticism after his performance in Saturday's last-minute defeat to Chelsea.Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney criticised the Egyptian after the match, accusing him of 'having an ego' and hitting out at his lack of defensive effort.Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy has now echoed these sentiments amid Liverpool's recent dip in form, insisting that Salah needs to contribute more defensively to help his team-mates reverse their mini-slump.Salah has been out of sorts and had his work rate questioned (Image: 2025 James Gill - Danehouse)"It was an obvious ploy from Chelsea and any full-back Liverpool use will need help when up against high-quality wingers."If you're going to allow Salah that freedom to not track back, which I understand to a degree, because when you win the ball you've got him on transition in attack who happens to be the best goalscorer Liverpool have, then the midfield has to be quicker at adapting and getting out to the full back area."Too many times in the last week on the right side, then the right-back has been isolated. It's something that needs work on the training ground."Or we tell Salah that he's got to do his defending to get the balance right and be harder to beat.
It's not like he's incapable of doing the running."At the moment, with United next up, I would be saying to him he's got to do his work and help Liverpool be a bit harder to beat. I tried to give my last effort and Enzo gave me the ball and I crossed for Estevao."Salah has previously revealed that he had discussions with Slot about reducing his defensive duties to enhance his offensive contributions."Now I don't have to defend much," he shared with Sky Sports after Liverpool's Premier League title win in April.
It was the manager's idea, of course, but he listens a lot.Wayne Rooney did not hold back and laid into Salah after Liverpool's defeat against Chelsea (Image: Getty)"He's the manager, of course, but he listens a lot, so I spoke to him and he bought the idea. It's not only about goals, it's also about creating chances and just making a difference for the team."Salah had an incredible season for Liverpool in 2024/2025, scoring 34 goals and providing 23 assists in his 52 appearances across all competitions, leading the Reds to Premier League victory.