Jamie Carragher has delivered a scathing assessment of Mohamed Salah’s recent interview, labelling his actions as “disgraceful.” The Egyptian forward ignited controversy with his remarks criticizing Liverpool and manager Arne Slot, leading to widespread condemnation.
Salah’s interview, conducted after a 3-3 draw against Leeds United where he started on the bench for the third consecutive game, has cast a shadow over his future at Anfield. He accused Liverpool of “throwing him under the bus” and claimed his relationship with Slot had deteriorated.
Carragher, a Liverpool legend himself, didn’t hold back in his criticism. He argued that Salah, not the club, was the one guilty of undermining Liverpool. He suggested Salah’s actions were calculated, designed to inflict maximum damage and bolster his own position.
According to Carragher, Salah’s timing was particularly egregious, coinciding with a period of poor results and low morale at the club. He believes Salah’s outburst was an attempt to pressure the manager and potentially influence his dismissal.
Here’s a breakdown of Salah’s key quotes from the controversial interview:
On being benched: “The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I’m very, very disappointed to be fair. I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season. Now I’m sitting on the bench and I don’t know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame.”
On his relationship with Arne Slot: “I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden, we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn’t want me in the club.”
On his Liverpool future: “In my head, I’m going to enjoy that game because I don’t know what is going to happen now. I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to the Africa Cup (of Nations). I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.”
On regretting his contract renewal: “Imagine how bad that I have to answer it, honestly. That hurts, even the question hurts. This club, signing for this club, I will never regret it. I thought I’m going to renew here and end my career here, but this is not according to the plan.”
On Saudi Pro League interest: “I don’t want to answer this question, because the club is going to take me to a different direction.”
Carragher further accused Salah of consistently “throwing his right-back under the bus” throughout his Liverpool career. He highlighted the sacrifices defenders have made to accommodate Salah’s attacking prowess.
He acknowledged Salah’s legendary status and the privileges afforded to players of his caliber, such as reduced defensive responsibilities. However, he stressed that even superstars have a responsibility to contribute to the team’s overall success, especially during challenging times.
Carragher emphasized that his criticism stemmed from Salah’s perceived disloyalty to the club, not from his on-field performances. He revealed that he had previously refrained from criticizing Salah’s work rate or goal-scoring record, recognizing his immense contributions to Liverpool.
Carragher pointed to a specific incident where Salah could have assisted teammate Florian Wirtz, a recent signing struggling for goals, but chose to pursue his own scoring opportunity instead. He argued that Salah should prioritize helping his teammates and fostering a team-first mentality.
Arne Slot addressed the controversy at a press conference, acknowledging the situation but refraining from offering a detailed response. The manager’s handling of the situation will be closely scrutinized in the coming weeks.
Salah’s future at Liverpool remains uncertain. He has been a transformative figure since joining the club in 2017, scoring a remarkable 250 goals in 420 appearances. His achievements include two Premier League titles, a Champions League crown, an FA Cup, and an EFL Cup.
However, Liverpool’s recent struggles, coupled with Salah’s age (33) and reported interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, have fueled speculation about a potential departure. Al-Hilal are rumoured to be preparing a substantial offer in January.
Here’s a recap of the key points:
Salah’s Explosive Interview: The Egyptian forward criticised Liverpool and Arne Slot, claiming he was “thrown under the bus.”
Carragher’s Scathing Response: The Liverpool legend branded Salah’s actions “disgraceful” and accused him of undermining the club.
Key Quotes: Salah expressed disappointment at being benched, questioned his relationship with Slot, and hinted at uncertainty about his future.
Sacrifices of Defenders: Carragher highlighted the defensive work done to accommodate Salah’s attacking style.
Teamwork vs. Individual Glory: Carragher criticized Salah for prioritizing his own goals over assisting struggling teammates.
Arne Slot’s Reaction: The manager addressed the situation but remained tight-lipped.
Salah’s Legacy: Despite the controversy, Salah remains a Liverpool legend with an impressive list of accomplishments.
Potential Departure: Speculation continues to swirl about a possible move to Saudi Arabia.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Salah’s future at Liverpool and the long-term impact of his controversial interview. The situation presents a significant challenge for both the player and the club.