Liverpool’s recent struggles in the Premier League have sparked tough conversations about leadership on and off the pitch.
Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher has openly questioned Mo Salah’s role in guiding the team through a difficult patch, pointing out that the Egyptian superstar hasn’t been vocal when the team most needed it.
Carragher highlighted that Salah often speaks up only for personal milestones—like securing a new contract or celebrating a Man of the Match award—rather than addressing the team’s challenges.
With Liverpool floundering under Arne Slot this season, Carragher feels Salah should step up as a senior figure in the squad.
Van Dijk Speaks Out, But More Voices Needed
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk didn’t hold back after the 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, labeling the team a “mess” following their sixth loss in seven matches.
Carragher praised Van Dijk for speaking candidly but argued that responsibility shouldn’t rest solely on the captain’s shoulders.
“Van Dijk has done the right thing coming forward, but there should be other senior players in the dressing room who speak up for the club,” Carragher told Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
He also recalled the time last November when Salah openly discussed his uncertain contract situation, saying: “A year ago this weekend, Mo Salah wasn’t shy about his own situation with the club.
But these days, I only hear him speak when he wins Man of the Match or negotiates a new contract.
I’d like to see him take on more of a leadership role and speak up for the team—it shouldn’t always fall on the captain.”
A Worrying Defeat at Anfield
The recent 3-0 loss to Forest at Anfield left Liverpool in 11th place, 11 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
The defeat has reignited scrutiny of Slot’s tenure, with some fans and pundits questioning whether the Dutch manager can turn things around.
Adding fuel to the fire, Slot skipped the Northern Football Writers’ Association awards at the last minute, despite being set to receive Manager of the Year honors.
Carragher Defends Slot, Urges Patience
Despite Liverpool’s struggles, Carragher believes it’s too early to consider replacing Slot, who led the team to a Premier League title in his debut season.
He pointed out that Slot doesn’t yet enjoy the unconditional support that Jurgen Klopp had, but emphasized that the focus should be on team improvement rather than managerial changes.
“He’s facing tough scrutiny now, but for me, there should be no talk about the manager’s position,” Carragher said.
“We need to allow him the time to navigate these challenges.”
The Road Ahead
With the Reds struggling for consistency, the pressure is on both the players and leadership figures like Salah to rise to the occasion.
Fans will be watching closely to see whether Liverpool can rediscover the form that brought them glory, or if this difficult stretch continues to expose cracks in leadership both on and off the pitch.
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