Wayne Rooney has told Arne Slot that HE must decide how many minutes Alexander Isak can play instead of sports scientists. The England legend also suggested that his Liverpool future may hinge on such decisions.
The Swedish striker made his first start for the Reds since fracturing his leg against Tottenham Hotspur in December when they met Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday evening. However, he managed just 45 minutes plus stoppage time on the pitch before he was swapped out for Mohamed Salah at the start of the second-half.
While it is unknown as to whether the limited amount of minutes was a result of a suggestion put to Slot by a sports scientist from the club or if it was the Dutchman's idea remain unknown. But Rooney made it abundantly clear that the head coach should be the one making said decisions.
Speaking on Amazon Prime Video's coverage in the aftermath of the contest, club legend Robbie Fowler asked the question. He said: "Isak played 45 minutes, is that a manager's decision or a sports science decision?"
Picking his words carefully, Rooney replied: "Maybe both. I think sports science have a big say now, but Arne Slot's future at the club could be on [the line].
"I think as a manager you need to take control - I'm not saying that was the case - but, 'Listen, you play as long as you can and if you can't do it, you can't - I'll take you off.'"
It comes as Alan Shearer was quick to criticise Isak's performance as he was substituted for Salah for the second-half. He explained: "He wasn't hardly involved at all was he, Isak? Only five touches in that half, didn't really do enough, didn't look fit.
"And I think Arne Slot said before the game didn't he? That he didn't see him doing too many more minutes than 45 and that's exactly what happened."
Despite their best efforts, Liverpool were ultimately ousted from the Champions League following Tuesday evening's encounter - Ousmane Dembele making the difference with a late brace.
That tally added to the 2-0 deficit Liverpool already had to overcome thanks to goals from Desire Doue and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia in last week's first leg at the Parc des Princes.
While PSG will now turn their attention to a semi-final with either Real Madrid of Bayern Munich, Liverpool can now set their full undivided attention on their final six Premier League games.
Up next for Liverpool is a first-ever Merseyside Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium come Sunday, April 19, before they go against Crystal Palace on home turf next Saturday.
Tense matches with Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brentford make up their final four in May, as the Reds look to secure European football for 2026/27 come the end of May.
