Manager Jamie Carragher has called on Mohamed Salah to appear in front of the media as he did last season when he needed a new contract and when he was named man of the match amid Liverpool’s slump.
The Reds lost 3-0 at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, their sixth defeat in seven league games, leaving the defending champions in 11th place and the club falling into the bottom half of the table for the first time in more than a decade.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk spoke to the media after the loss to Forest, but Carragher felt his defenders were “constantly moving forward” after the recent defeat and called on other players, especially “leader and legend” Salah, to step up.
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Jamie Carragher and Portugal manager Roberto Martinez analyze Liverpool’s poor performance
The 33-year-old was vocal about his contract situation last season after telling reporters his previous deal was due to expire in November 2024, and he ultimately signed a new contract in April.
However, Salah’s actions a year ago were harshly criticized by Carragher as “selfish” and the Sky Sports pundit believes Salah should step forward in Liverpool’s crisis.
Carragher said on Monday Night Football: “After the Forest game, Virgil van Dijk came out and spoke, which is what a captain should do.
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk reflects on the disappointing 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest
“Even after a big defeat for Liverpool, it’s always Van Dijk who comes out and speaks. The captain should do it, but there are other players in the dressing room who should also speak on behalf of the club.”
“One year ago this weekend, Mo Salah was unashamedly talking about his situation and how the club didn’t offer him a contract. “The only time I listen to Salah is when he wins man of the match or when he needs a new contract.
“I would like to see Salah come out as one of Liverpool’s leaders and a legend and represent the team.”
Salah has come under fire from all quarters for his poor form this season, with Carragher’s fellow pundit Wayne Rooney suggesting Slott should consider dropping the Egyptian international to start the season.
Speaking on the Wayne Rooney Show podcast, the former Manchester United captain said: “If I was slotted, I would try to make big decisions to influence the rest of the team.”
“Salah is not helping them defensively.
“If you’re one of the players they signed and you’re on the bench and you see him not running – and again he’s a club legend and everything he’s done for the club – but if you’re on the bench, what message does that send to you?”
“Liverpool cannot sack Slot this season”
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Jamie Carragher considers the issues facing Arne Slott but says only Liverpool’s head coach can solve them
Liverpool have lost eight of their last 11 games in all competitions, with Saturday’s 3-0 home loss to Forest equaling their worst Premier League defeat at Anfield.
Despite the Dutchman leading the Reds to the Premier League title in his first season in charge last season, his dismal form is putting pressure on manager Arne Slott.
But Carragher is talking nonsense about how the 47-year-old could lose his job this season, despite feeling that Slott lacks the “unconditional love” of his predecessor Jurgen Klopp.
Asked if Liverpool might sack Slott, Carragher said: “No, I haven’t thought about it at any time this season.
“But I have to say, some of the people I spoke to, fans, friends and family after the Forest game and the way they talked about the slot shocked me a bit.
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Premier League highlights of Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest
“There’s a lot of respect for what he did last season. To win the title in your first season is pretty special.
“But I feel like he doesn’t have the unconditional love and support that Jurgen Klopp always had.
“Klopp has had some tough times, at one stage we lost six games in a row at Anfield.
“But I didn’t feel at any stage that we were talking about Jurgen Klopp’s position in the same way that people were talking about Arne Slott’s position at the weekend.
“For me, we shouldn’t be thinking about or talking about this coach losing his job this season.”
Liverpool’s next 5 games
Sunday, November 30th 1pm
Kickoff 2:05pm
Wednesday: PSV Eindhoven (H), Champions League
Sunday: West Ham (A), Premier League, live on Sky Sports
December 3: Sunderland (H), Premier League, live on Sky Sports
6 December: Leeds (A), Premier League, live on Sky Sports
December 9: Inter Milan (A), Champions League
