‘I won the league with Liverpool’: Arne Slot responds to Wayne Rooney jibe

Guardian Sport

by Will Unwin

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Arne Slot has defended his credentials as Liverpool’s head coach by pointing to last season’s Premier League title victory, directly responding to Wayne Rooney’s critique that he lacks the “aura” needed to manage the club. In an interview with *The Overlap*, Rooney questioned Slot’s ability to fill the void left by Jürgen Klopp, suggesting that Slot does not carry the same magnetic presence as his predecessor. However, Slot has countered this by highlighting his own achievements, including leading Ajax to back-to-back Eredivisie titles and earning a spot in the Champions League final. He emphasized that winning the league with Liverpool validates his ability to lead the team successfully. Slot’s response comes after Rooney criticized his leadership style, suggesting that the pressure of following Klopp—a manager widely regarded for his charismatic personality and tactical success—makes it challenging for any successor to measure up. Rooney argued that Slot simply does not have the same “aura” as Klopp, a term he used to describe the intangible qualities that inspire loyalty and unity within a squad. WhileSlot did not directly address Rooney’s comments in detail, his focus on last season’s title win signals his confidence in his ability to deliver results on the field. The debate between Slot and Rooney reflects broader discussions about leadership transitions in high-stakes sports environments. Klopp’s legacy at Liverpool is undeniable, with multiple league titles, Champions League success, and a reputation for building cohesive teams. WhileSlot acknowledges the difficulty of following such a decorated manager, he appears determined to establish his own identity and prove his worth. His approach has been to rely on tactical discipline, adaptability, and a focus on developing young talent, which have already yielded positive results. For sports fans, this controversy matters because it highlights the challenges of leadership transitions in professional sports. The pressure to maintain or exceed previous achievements can create tension between new managers and critics who often compare them to their predecessors. Slot’s response underscores the importance of focusing on tangible outcomes—such as league titles—as evidence of a manager’s effectiveness. As Liverpool fans wait to see ifSlot can replicate Klopp’s success over the long term, this conversation will likely continue to evolve, shaping perceptions of both managers and the club’s future direction.

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/20/2026