Jamie Carragher has called on Mohamed Salah to front up to the media amid Liverpool’s slump, like he did last season when he needed a new contract or was awarded man of the match.
The Reds suffered a 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest on Saturday – a sixth loss in seven league matches – leaving the defending champions 11th, the first time in more than a decade the club have been in the bottom half of the table.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk spoke to the media following the loss to Forest, but Carragher feels the defender “always” faces up after recent defeats and has called on others to step up, particularly “leader and legend” Salah.
The 33-year-old was vocal last season over his contract situation after speaking to reporters in November 2024 with his previous deal expiring, before eventually signing fresh terms in April.
But Salah’s behaviour a year ago was heavily criticised by Carragher, who branded him “selfish”, and the Sky Sports pundit believes he should be fronting up amid Liverpool’s crisis.
Carragher said on Monday Night Football: “After the Forest game, Virgil van Dijk has come out and spoken, as he should do as the captain.
“On the back of all these Liverpool defeats, it’s always Van Dijk who comes out and speaks. The captain should do that but there should be other players in that dressing room and speaking for the club.
“A year ago this weekend, Mo Salah wasn’t shy in speaking about his own situation and the club not offering him a contract. I only ever hear Salah speak when he gets man of the match or when he needs a new contract.
“I would like to see Salah as one of the leaders and legends of Liverpool come out and speak for the team.”
Salah has come under fire from various quarters for his poor form this season, with Carragher’s fellow pundit Wayne Rooney suggesting that Slot should consider dropping the Egypt international in a bid to kick-start their season.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show podcast, the ex-Manchester United captain said: “If I was Slot, I’d try and make a big decision just so it has an impact on the rest of the team.
“Salah is not helping them defensively.
“If you’re one of the players who they’ve signed and you’re on the bench and you’ve seen 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, then what message does that send to you?”
