Wayne Rooney calls out Mo Salah again as he slams Liverpool star's reaction
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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballWayne RooneyLiverpool were beaten by Manchester City on Sunday afternoon as their title defence took another blow with Wayne Rooney calling out Mo Salah's effort in defenceWayne Rooney has once again criticised Mohamed Salah, claiming the Liverpool forward isn't contributing enough defensively during the club's difficult spell.The Reds suffered their fifth Premier League defeat following Sunday's loss at Manchester City. The Egyptian has managed just four goals so far, having previously been afforded freedom from certain defensive responsibilities.This left Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley isolated against City winger Jeremy Doku, who produced an outstanding performance at the Etihad.
The Belgian was unplayable and scored a spectacular goal, but Rooney believes Bradley should have received greater support in stifling the winger.READ MORE: Jamie Carragher takes aim at Liverpool star with 'big problem' and says 'I don't understand'READ MORE: Liverpool handed new referee verdict on Virgil van Dijk goal as Premier League told mistake madeSpeaking on Match of the Day, he said: "Salah is in the team to score goals and create goals. I think Salah has to come back and help his teammate."Salah struggled to make an impact going forward as City's defence successfully neutralised him alongside Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, allowing the visitors to narrow the gap on Arsenal while putting distance between themselves and the reigning champions, who cannot afford further mistakes if they harbour any aspirations of defending their crown.Rooney has previously voiced concerns about various elements of Liverpool's performances this campaign.
After their defeat at Chelsea some weeks ago, he expressed worry over Salah's defensive contributions.The Premier League legend insisted that his diminished impact in attacking areas was no longer acceptable and challenged him on work-rate matters.He said: "When it's going well and you're scoring goals and winning games it's great and the team will put up with that but, over the last week, I would question his work ethic."For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc. Sign up for one of the Liverpool Echo's free daily and weekly newsletters on Liverpool FC by clicking here.