Wayne Rooney has claimed that Liverpool boss Arne Slot lacks the requisite aura to successfully lead the Anfield club, despite the Dutchman winning the Premier League title last season. '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.' 'If you look at Liverpool last season to now, [Mohamed] Salah and [Virgil] van Dijk haven't been their best. Rooney also launched a surprise defence of captain Virgil van Dijk, with the pair locking horns earlier this season after the Dutchman took issue with his criticism.

Source: Daily Mail February 18, 2026 06:11 UTC