Jamie Carragher Calls Mohamed Salah ‘Selfish’ Over Liverpool Social Media Post After Aston Villa Defeat

Jamie Carragher levelled sharp criticism at Mohamed Salah on Sky Sports after the Egyptian forward published a social media message in the wake of Liverpool’s 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa, a result that left the club’s Champions League qualification for next season still unconfirmed.

Salah’s post, shared on Saturday, urged his Liverpool teammates to “recover their identity” and return to the standards expected at the club. According to reports, many observers interpreted the message as an indirect critique of incoming manager Arne Slot and the tactical direction he is expected to take the club, with Salah’s language appearing to favour the high-energy, high-pressing style synonymous with former manager Jürgen Klopp — a philosophy often described as “heavy metal football.”

Carragher wasted little time in making his position clear, drawing a notable parallel with another high-profile departure from English football. “I’m not surprised. I told everybody, ‘Something else will come before the end of the season.’ He’ll drop another bomb, a little bit like Ronaldo did on the way out of Manchester United,” the former defender said.

The comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo references the Portuguese forward’s controversial exit from Old Trafford in November 2022, which followed a candid television interview in which Ronaldo made critical remarks about the club, manager Erik ten Hag, and the Glazer ownership — statements that ultimately led to the mutual termination of his contract.

Carragher also pointed to criticism he had previously directed at Salah, suggesting the latest episode was consistent with a pattern of behaviour he had flagged before. “Less than two years ago, I called him selfish for doing an interview, and I think that rings true again,” he added, underscoring his view that the public platform was an inappropriate channel for expressing internal concerns.

The crux of Carragher’s argument centred on timing and collective responsibility. With Liverpool still needing results to secure their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, he argued that the focus should remain on the team’s immediate objectives rather than individual frustrations. “Liverpool has a really important week. They are still not fully qualified for the Champions League, and it should be about Liverpool FC, not Salah FC,” he stated.

Carragher’s comments were not the only high-profile response to Salah’s post. According to reports, former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard also condemned the outburst, suggesting it could have a destabilising effect on the dressing room, while Wayne Rooney publicly called on Slot to drop Salah for the club’s final home appearance at Anfield. Gary Neville also expressed disappointment with the forward’s public remarks.

Salah, who joined Liverpool from Roma in 2017, has been central to the club’s most successful period in the modern era. During his time at Anfield, he has contributed to the club winning the Premier League title, the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup, and several other major honours. His contract situation heading into the summer transfer window remains a point of significant interest, with his future at the club beyond the current season still unresolved.

The episode adds another layer of complexity to Liverpool’s end-of-season narrative as they prepare for a crucial closing stretch, with Arne Slot set to officially take charge ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.