Mohamed Salah has once again found himself at the center of a heated football debate after Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher criticised the forward’s recent conduct and media appearances. Carragher’s remarks, which followed Salah’s candid post-match interview at Elland Road earlier this month, questioned both the timing and intent behind the Egyptian’s comments amid uncertainty surrounding his role at Anfield.
Salah had suggested he was being “thrown under the bus” by Liverpool, a statement that quickly drew strong reactions. Carragher argued that the forward’s decision to stop in the mixed zone was deliberate and calculated, claiming it was designed to create pressure during a difficult period for the club.
Carragher questions Mohamed Salah’s intentions
Speaking earlier in December, Carragher was critical of Salah’s actions and the wider narrative surrounding them.
"I thought it was a disgrace what he did after the game. Some people have painted it as an emotional outburst, I do not think it was. Whenever Salah stops in the mixed zone, which he's done four times in eight years at Liverpool," Carragher said.
"It's choreographed between him and his agent to cause maximum damage and to strengthen his own position. The way they have been treating Mohamed Salah lately is just unfair. The one line that stands out for me is 'thrown under the bus.' He's thrown the club under the bus twice in the last 12 months. With the manager right now, he should be doing as much as he can to help the club get out of the worst run they've had since the 1950s and he hasn't done that."
Those comments intensified scrutiny around Salah’s leadership and influence during a challenging stretch for Liverpool.
Adebayor pushes back against criticism
Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has now stepped in to defend Salah, strongly disagreeing with Carragher’s assessment. The retired Togolese international, who enjoyed a long Premier League career, labelled the criticism as unfair and disrespectful, arguing that Salah’s achievements merit far greater recognition.
"You know, some players were lucky enough to be born in certain areas. Carragher, I think, was lucky enough to be born in Liverpool - that's why he can proclaim 'I won something'," Adebayor said.
"Mo Salah won the league, Mo Salah won the Champions League with them. Mo Salah's been the top scorer for them for I don't know how many years. I think he's even entering [the discussion about] the best ever player to play in the Premier League. That is huge. And for Carragher to come in and disrespect that person on air, that for me is just incredible."
Salah’s legacy back in focus
Adebayor’s defence has added a new layer to the discussion, shifting attention back to Mohamed Salah’s enduring impact at Liverpool and his standing in Premier League history. As debate continues, the episode has underlined how Salah’s influence extends far beyond the pitch, even as opinions remain sharply divided.