Wayne Rooney claims Arne Slot lacks Liverpool 'aura' and delivers firing verdict

Wayne Rooney has claimed Arne Slot doesn't have the aura to be Liverpool's head coach and believes the Premier League-winning manager will be fired if the Reds fail to secure a top-five finish

Wayne Rooney has offered his opinion(Image: The Overlap)

Former Everton and Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has suggested that Arne Slot lacks the charisma required to be Liverpool's head coach, predicting his dismissal if he fails to secure Champions League qualification.

Slot, who last season led the Reds to a record-equalling 20th title during his inaugural campaign, is the latest in a line of 10 managers to guide Liverpool to championship glory.

However, this season has proven more challenging, with Liverpool grappling with a raft of new signings and significant injuries. Currently occupying sixth place in the Premier League table, the Reds have lost only two of their last 19 matches across all competitions, advancing to the last 16 of both the Champions League and FA Cup.

Despite these achievements, Rooney contends that Slot lacks the necessary presence for a Liverpool manager, even suggesting that a lack of improvement in the team's league position could lead to his dismissal.

"It's strange isn't it when you're talking about Slot being on an audition to keep his job when he has obviously recently won the Premier League," commented the former England international.

"I have met him a couple of times, but I just don't think, for Liverpool, he has that aura – and maybe that's because Liverpool have just come off the back of Jurgen Klopp as manager – it's difficult for anyone to do that, but I just don't think there is that aura about him.

Arne Slot is under pressure at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

"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."

During the latest episode of The Overlap Fan Debate in association with Sky Bet, Rooney also dismissed claims that Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah should bear the brunt of Liverpool's shortcomings this season.

"Van Dijk and Salah – which I have been vocal about this season – may have lost a yard or two, (but) they are the two leaders of the team," he stated. "The players they have lost around them would make it very difficult for any side to win the title.

"That should not count against van Dijk and Salah. You've got Trent (Alexander-Arnold), who's missing, (Andy) Robertson hasn't played a lot of games, Luiz Diaz (left) and the (Diogo) Jota situation. Even Darwin Nunez brought something; he wasn't great, but he brought something. Liverpool have lost a lot of players, so it is sort of a rebuild period.

"For me, Salah is one of the Premier League's greatest of all time, and Van Dijk will be in the conversation as one of the best. I don't think he is the best ever, but in this generation, he is certainly the best center-back."

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, however, remains confident that Slot will still be at the helm next season. "Arne Slot would be such a better manager next season off the back of this season, in some ways," he said.

"That's what I keep thinking because I don't think it is all his fault. Any manager now managing this squad, with Salah not being the same player as before, Van Dijk not quite the same player as last season as well – the squad's not that big or balanced.

"I'm not sure there would be a manager out there getting loads more out of the squad if I am totally honest."