Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has come under intense scrutiny following an explosive interview in which he claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” after being dropped for Liverpool’s past three matches. The fallout has been described by pundits as “carnage” at Anfield, and raises questions about the forward’s future at the club.
Salah Criticized by Pundits
The two-time Premier League winner’s comments drew sharp criticism from former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher and ex-Blackburn and Celtic striker Chris Sutton.
Carragher told Sky Sports:
“I thought it was a disgrace. Some have painted it as an emotional outburst. I don’t think it was. When Mo Salah stops in the mixed zone – which he has done four times in eight years – it is choreographed with him and his agent to cause maximum damage and strengthen his own position.”
Meanwhile, Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live:
“Liverpool is carnage because of Mo Salah. He’s been honest and open, but he’s made it all about him and not the team. He’s been extremely selfish – now there’s a bit of a civil war at Liverpool, and it didn’t need to be like this.”
Former England captain Steph Houghton echoed concerns about timing, noting that Salah’s comments came immediately after Liverpool conceded a late equalizer in a 3-3 draw at Leeds.
Liverpool Manager Arne Slot Responds
Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed surprise at Salah’s remarks and suggested that the relationship between player and manager could still be repaired.
“I don’t feel my authority is undermined – it is not the way I feel it,” Slot said in Milan.
“After tomorrow we will look at the situation. There is always the possibility to return for a player.”
Salah is currently away from Liverpool, preparing to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations next Monday, with uncertainty surrounding his participation in Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League match against Brighton.
Salah’s Impact and Career Context
Mohamed Salah has been a pivotal figure at Liverpool, scoring 250 goals in 420 appearances and playing a key role in the club’s 2024-25 Premier League title win. However, this season he has struggled, registering just five goals in 19 games.
Carragher emphasized the need for Salah to prioritize the team:
“He has waited for a bad result with Liverpool. Everyone connected with the club feels like they are in the gutter and he has chosen this time to go for the manager – and maybe try and get him sacked. He should be helping the club through this run, not making it about himself.”
Sutton added:
“When Liverpool have been doing well, players speak about team spirit. Now we’re seeing Mo Salah for what he really is. It’s all about him – it’s him being selfish. I hate that sort of stuff. I think he’s really let himself down here.”
Former Players React
Ex-Liverpool defender Conor Coady, now with Wrexham, expressed concern for Salah’s team-mates:
“He should never go to the press and do what he’s done because you put your team-mates in jeopardy. That’s the biggest wrongdoing he can do in my eyes.”
The situation highlights ongoing tension at Anfield, as Liverpool look to stabilize performance amid their worst run of results since the 1950s.
What’s Next for Mohamed Salah and Liverpool?
With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching and questions about his role at Liverpool, Salah’s future at the club remains uncertain. Fans, pundits, and teammates will be watching closely to see whether he can reconcile with Arne Slot and refocus on Liverpool’s campaign.
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