Wayne Rooney is attempting to carve out a new career as a pundit, but his recent comments about Liverpool boss Arne Slot have raised eyebrows.
Rooney suggested that while Slot is a “nice fella,” he doesn’t have “that aura about him” compared to Jürgen Klopp.
It’s a bold claim — especially considering Slot’s record.
Slot’s Calm Response
Asked about Rooney’s remarks, Slot offered a measured reply:
“The only thing we have in common, Jürgen 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. That’s in general something.”
He then added, with a subtle edge:
“Last season I had more aura than this season. Maybe [Rooney] is the only one who has this opinion … it’s the first time that I heard this but I think it’s fair to say that Jürgen definitely has an aura. I can talk about him, not about myself, but he definitely had that. But a winning manager has an aura as well.”
It was a composed but pointed response.
Results Over Reputation
Slot’s argument is simple: aura follows success.
Having delivered a Premier League title in his first season, he has already achieved something many managers never do. This campaign has been one of transition, with players arriving and others departing — hardly the easiest environment in which to maintain dominance.
Yet Rooney’s comments focus on perception rather than performance.
Rooney’s Own Managerial Record
While Rooney enjoyed an outstanding playing career, his managerial journey has been far less convincing. Short spells and mixed results have not built a legacy comparable to the figures he now critiques from the studio.
That doesn’t invalidate his opinion — punditry is built on debate — but it does add context.
When assessing “aura,” results tend to speak louder than personality.
A Pattern Emerging?
It’s not the first time Rooney has had a dig at Liverpool this season, particularly during periods where the Reds have struggled for consistency.
But criticism is part of the territory at Anfield.
Slot appears unfazed. His focus remains on winning football matches — and as he rightly pointed out, winning managers naturally command presence.
In the end, aura may not be something you declare.
It’s something you earn.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
The Kopite View 
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