Arne Slot responds to Wayne Rooney’s ‘winning aura’ claim

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has responded calmly but firmly to criticism from Wayne Rooney, who recently questioned whether the Dutchman possesses the “winning aura” required to succeed at Anfield.

Rooney, a Manchester United legend, cast doubt on Slot’s ability to command a high-profile dressing room in the same way former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp did during his trophy-laden tenure on Merseyside.

Addressing the comments, Slot acknowledged that comparisons are inevitable but challenged whether they are entirely fair.

The former Feyenoord manager highlighted a notable similarity he shares with Klopp, league success.

Slot went on to suggest that a manager’s perceived “aura” is closely tied to results on the pitch.

He said, “Comparing people with each other is something everyone has the right to do, but is that fair?

“We are all different. The only thing we have in common, Jurgen and me, is that we both won the league, and that's not too bad, is it?

“I think the more a manager wins, the more aura he has. I don't know if you agree with Wayne Rooney, but if this were the general opinion, people would probably say I had more aura last season than this season. Maybe he's the only one with this opinion; you tell me. It's the first time I've heard this,” he explained.

While reluctant to assess his own presence, Slot was quick to credit his predecessor.

He added, “I think it's fair to say that Jurgen definitely has an aura, yeah. I can talk about him, not about myself, but he definitely had that. But a winning manager has an aura as well.”