Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been labeled a “disgrace” and accused of creating “carnage” within the club by analysts in the wake of his controversial interview.
Salah expressed feelings of being “thrown under the bus” after being benched for Liverpool’s last three matches, a decision that resulted in his absence from Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Inter Milan.
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The two-time Premier League winner’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from pundits such as former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher and ex-Blackburn and Celtic striker Chris Sutton.
“I thought it was a disgrace,” Carragher stated on Sky Sports. “Some may view it as an emotional outburst, but I don’t see it that way.
“When Mo Salah speaks in the mixed zone, which he has only done four times in eight years, it’s a choreographed move designed to inflict maximum damage and bolster his own position.”
On BBC Radio 5 Live, Sutton argued, “Liverpool is in chaos because of Mo Salah. He’s been honest, but he has made it all about himself rather than the team. This is an extremely selfish act, leading to unnecessary conflict within the club.”
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Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed being “surprised” by Salah’s comments, noting a complete breakdown in their relationship and admitting he wasn’t sure if the 33-year-old would return to play for the team.
“I don’t feel my authority is undermined – that’s not how I see it,” Slot added while in Milan on Monday. “We’ll assess the situation after tomorrow. There’s always a possibility for a player to return.”
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With Salah set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations next Monday, his future at Anfield remains uncertain, raising questions about his involvement in Saturday’s Premier League match against Brighton (15:00 GMT).
Salah Accused of ‘Throwing the Club Under the Bus’
Carragher, who Salah anticipated would criticize him again in the interview, was particularly scathing about the timing of Salah’s comments, which came just after Liverpool conceded a late equalizer in a 3-3 draw against Leeds on Saturday.
The defending Premier League champions have managed to win only four of their past 15 matches across all competitions since September, putting Slot under increasing scrutiny.
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“I believe he waited for a poor result with Liverpool,” Carragher remarked. “Everyone associated with the club is feeling low, and he chose this moment to go after the manager—perhaps in an attempt to get him sacked.
“The phrase that stands out to me is ‘thrown under the bus.’ He’s attempted to throw the club under the bus twice in the last year, starting with his grievance towards the owners for not offering him a contract when he turned 32.
“As for the manager, he should be focused on helping the club through its worst run of results since the 1950s.”
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Former England captain Steph Houghton echoed Carragher’s sentiments, stating, “It probably couldn’t have come at a worse time for Liverpool. This gives the impression that it was premeditated. He likely expected to come on against Leeds, but when that didn’t happen, it likely bruised his ego.
“But his actions are disappointing. This puts others at risk, and it’s definitely turned the conversation towards him, which may have been his intention.”
Carragher also urged Salah to prioritize the team’s success over his personal achievements and support new signings like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak in their pursuit to replicate his accomplishments.
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“Some criticism of Salah has been excessive this season, but I’ll call him out when he tries to undermine our club off the pitch to only focus on himself,” he added. “The club made the right choice in preventing him from traveling abroad with them, and whether he will play again is uncertain. I hope he does because he’s one of our greatest players.”
‘He’s Really Let Himself Down’
After a stellar 2024-25 season where he was pivotal in Liverpool’s title win, Salah has struggled this campaign, netting only five goals in 19 appearances.
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“He’s had an incredible career,” Sutton remarked. “However, this season, he hasn’t played well, his stats have declined, and now that he’s been sidelined for a few games, he seems to think he deserves different treatment than his teammates.”
“I find this entire situation absurd. What positive outcome could arise from his comments? It’s frustrating because during good times, players often speak about team spirit and camaraderie. Now, we see Salah’s true colors—everything revolves around him. It’s a selfish act, and I believe he has let himself down.
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“It’s a matter of who goes first—Slot or Salah—and how is this beneficial for someone who claims to care about the club that much?”
Wrexham defender Conor Coady commented on BBC Radio 5 Live, saying, “It seems like there’s been some behind-the-scenes issue we’re unaware of. He should never air grievances in public as it jeopardizes his teammates, and that’s the most significant wrongdoing in my opinion.”