Wayne Rooney has questioned the commitment of Arn Slott’s Liverpool players following the club’s exit from the Champions League. The Reds suffered a 2-0 defeat at Anfield thanks to a double from Ousmane Dembele, resulting in a 4-0 aggregate defeat. As a result of this result, Liverpool are unable to win a silver medal this season and are struggling to secure a spot in Europe’s top competition next season.
Slott’s side currently sit fifth in the Premier League, which guarantees them Champions League qualification, and hold a four-point lead over Chelsea, with Brentford and Everton a further point behind. Liverpool go into this weekend’s Merseyside derby having lost four of their last five games, three of which have come against PSG and Manchester City. Rooney remains unconvinced by the ambition shown by Slott’s Reds side and feels the match against the Toffees has come at an inopportune moment for the club.
“You need players who want to compete, and I think we’ve seen this Liverpool team not give their best all season,” Rooney said. “And I think Sunday’s derby game comes at the wrong time for Liverpool.”
However, fellow pundit and former AC Milan star Clarence Seedorf sees the timing differently. “I disagree,” he said. “I think it was much easier to get involved emotionally, at least in the right way, when we had great moments in the Champions League as well, when we had a big team and then a big game. I think after a defeat like this, when you play against a team that is probably in the middle of the table, it’s much more difficult.”
“Of course I still have to do it, but mentally I feel better. I don’t know about you, but are you saying you didn’t feel like doing it?”
Rooney replied: “I was very motivated, but some players have said they don’t think so.” The Manchester United legend’s claims should set off alarm bells as the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, face another major shake-up in the summer, including a change of manager.
Speaking after the defeat to PSG, Slott was asked whether Liverpool could now focus solely on securing fifth place in the Premier League. The Dutchman suggested that the club faces a difficult situation ahead of next season.
“Of course,” he said. “That’s what we have to play now over the next few weeks. The good thing is that Alex (Isak) is back and can get plenty of playing time.
“It is often said that the club is in a period of transition. The club has sold eight to 10 players to raise money to sign five or so very talented players.
“You have to sell to buy. We are losing some players on free transfers.
“The summer is a big challenge, but the club has shown that this model can work. As I have said many times, if we can sign players, especially after the departure of good players this summer, the future will be very good.”
