LIVERPOOL – The deepening crisis in the relationship between Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and new head coach Arne Slot has escalated dramatically after club legend Jamie Carragher launched a scathing attack, branding the Egyptian forward’s recent comments as “disgraceful” and “choreographed.”
Speaking on Sky Sports’ ‘Monday Night Football’, Carragher did not mince words after Salah publicly vented his frustrations following the 3-3 draw at Leeds United, a match where Slot left the forward on the bench for the entire 90 minutes.
‘Choreographed’ Attack to Cause Maximum Damage
Carragher, who made 737 appearances for the club, dismissed the outburst as an “emotional reaction,” insisting it was a calculated move:
- On the Intent: “I thought it was a disgrace what he did after the game. I think whenever Salah stops in the mixed zone… it’s choreographed between him and his agent to cause maximum damage and to strengthen his own position.”
- On Timing: The former defender suggested Salah waited for a bad result, adding: “He’s chose that time to go for the manager, and maybe try and get him sacked. That’s the way I felt about it.”
- ‘Thrown Under the Bus’: Carragher took particular issue with Salah’s claim that he was “thrown under the bus,” arguing Salah had tried to “throw the club under the bus twice in the last 12 months.” He also sarcastically noted that Salah had “thrown the Liverpool right-back under the bus for the last eight years” due to his lack of defensive work.
- On Legacy: Carragher reminded Salah that he “wasn’t a big star before you came to Liverpool” and hasn’t won much with Egypt, suggesting Salah’s focus on “me, me, me” could damage his status as a club legend.
Slot Responds with Authority
The controversy led to direct action from the club and the manager, establishing a firm stance against the star player:
- Disciplinary Action: On Tuesday, Liverpool confirmed Salah was left out of the Champions League squad for the match against Inter Milan. Sources confirmed the decision was taken in consultation with the hierarchy and with Slot’s full support, designed to assert the manager’s authority.
- Uncertain Future: Addressing the media, Arne Slot admitted he had “no clue” whether Salah would play for Liverpool again, though he personally denied that their relationship had broken down.
- ‘Not Weak’: Slot countered the implied criticism of his handling of the situation, stating that his politeness should “not be mistaken for weakness” and that the club’s response demonstrated his authority.
The dramatic public fallout has put Liverpool at a critical crossroads, particularly with the transfer window approaching and the likely rekindling of Saudi Arabian interest in the 33-year-old forward.
