Liverpool manager Arne Slot was back to his calm and confident best after his team’s impressive 1–0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League — and his playful jab at Wayne Rooney during post-match coverage proved it. The Reds had endured a rough spell of form in recent weeks, but after consecutive wins against Aston Villa and Real Madrid, Slot’s side looked revitalized and ready to compete again at the highest level.
Tuesday night’s clash at Anfield was a tense, tactical battle that required patience and precision. Liverpool didn’t dominate possession but executed their plan effectively, creating more clear chances while limiting Madrid’s attacking threat. Ultimately, it was Alexis Mac Allister’s second-half header that sealed the win, continuing the Reds’ resurgence under Slot and marking their second consecutive victory over the Spanish giants in two seasons.
After the match, Slot appeared on Amazon Prime’s post-game panel alongside Gabby Logan, Robbie Fowler, Daniel Sturridge, and Wayne Rooney. What began as a routine interview quickly became a viral moment. When asked about the mood at Liverpool following recent struggles, Slot smiled and quipped: “It’s clear that it’s nicer when you win games than when you lose games as a manager. Am I right or am I wrong?” before turning directly to Rooney with a cheeky grin.
The joke wasn’t lost on anyone. Slot’s lighthearted remark was a clear nod to Rooney’s turbulent managerial career, which included difficult spells at Derby County, D.C. United, Birmingham City, and Plymouth Argyle. The former Manchester United striker has found little success in the dugout, with short-lived tenures and low win percentages marking his post-playing career. His most recent stint at Plymouth ended after just seven months.
Rooney’s presence on the panel made the moment all the more amusing, especially given his recent criticism of Liverpool. On his podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show, he had accused the Reds of lacking leadership during their four-game winless run, specifically calling out Virgil van Dijk and questioning his effectiveness as captain. Van Dijk later responded firmly, defending both himself and the team’s mentality.
Despite Rooney’s insistence that his comments were meant as constructive criticism, many Liverpool fans saw Slot’s on-air jab as the perfect response. It was a subtle but satisfying way to remind critics that his team had bounced back, silencing doubts about both his leadership and Liverpool’s form.
In the days following the exchange, fans praised Slot’s composure and wit. Social media lit up with clips of the moment, celebrating their manager’s confidence and sense of humor. Many described it as a defining sign of a man in control — one who could balance pressure with personality.
For Liverpool, the win over Madrid felt like more than just three points. It symbolized a shift in energy, belief, and attitude. Slot’s charm off the pitch mirrored his growing command on it, showing that he has quickly adapted to both the tactical and emotional demands of managing a club like Liverpool. And if his cheeky exchange with Rooney proved anything, it’s that the Dutchman isn’t just winning games — he’s winning hearts, too.
