Salah, 33, stunned supporters after openly admitting he no longer has a relationship with Slot and suggesting that the club had “thrown him under the bus.” The Egypt captain also hinted he could leave as early as January, further fuelling speculation during an already turbulent season for the Reds.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show on the BBC, the former Manchester United striker insisted that Salah’s comments were unacceptable and demanded Slot assert his authority.

“Arne Slot has to pull him in and tell him he’s not travelling with the team,” Rooney said. “What Salah said was out of order. Take yourself off to AFCON, let the dust settle but there’s no way he would be in my squad right now.”

Rooney warned that Salah’s public outburst could leave lasting scars: “He is absolutely destroying his legacy at Liverpool. It’s sad, because he’s been incredible for that club, but he’s gone about this completely the wrong way.”

Liverpool’s season has nosedived under Slot, leaving the Reds languishing ninth in the Premier League, already 10 points off leaders Arsenal. Salah himself has also endured one of the bleakest campaigns of his career, registering just five goals in 19 appearances. His recent form has seen him dropped to the bench for three consecutive matches.

Rooney believes frustration over that decision pushed Salah into speaking impulsively: “Time catches up with every player, and this season he hasn’t looked sharp. Instead of firing back, this was his moment to roll up his sleeves and fight for his place.”

The former England captain said Salah’s attitude would anger his teammates: “To suggest he doesn’t need to earn his place anymore that’s arrogance. Liverpool needs leaders right now, not someone throwing the dressing room under the bus.”

Salah’s comments are believed to have created tension within the squad, with Rooney warning that his presence could now be destabilizing.

“He’ll be very quiet at the training ground, and that negativity affects everyone especially the new players Slot is trying to embed,” Rooney added. “In a couple of years, he’ll look back and regret every word.”

Liverpool chiefs are reportedly discussing internal disciplinary action, while transfer speculation is intensifying. With interest expected from Saudi Arabia, MLS, and potentially Europe, a January exit is no longer unthinkable.

For Salah, once celebrated as one of Liverpool’s greatest modern icons, the situation has escalated into the biggest personal crisis of his Anfield career.

Whether he can repair the damage or whether this marks the beginning of the end remains the biggest question looming over Liverpool’s troubled season.