Former England international Jamie Carragher has strongly criticised Arne Slot following Liverpool FC’s exit from the UEFA Champions League, describing the manager’s decision to bench Mohamed Salah as “incomprehensible”.
Liverpool were eliminated from the competition after a 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their quarter-final tie, sealing a heavy 4-0 aggregate loss. The result marked a significant setback for the club and left supporters questioning key tactical decisions made across both matches.
Surprise Selection Raises Eyebrows
Attention quickly turned to Slot’s team selection, which saw striker Alexander Isak handed a starting role despite recently returning from a four-month injury absence. The decision came at the expense of Salah, who was again left out of the starting line-up, having also missed the first leg.
The move surprised observers, particularly given Salah’s recent scoring form in the Premier League and his status as one of Liverpool’s most influential attacking players.
Isak struggled to make an impact during the match, appearing short of full match fitness. He was substituted at half-time, as Liverpool searched for a way back into the contest. The situation was further complicated when Hugo Ekitike suffered an injury in the first half, prompting an earlier-than-planned introduction for Salah.
Carragher Voices Strong Criticism
Speaking to CBS, Carragher openly questioned the logic behind the decision, stating: “The manager certainly has his reasons, but Isaac wasn’t fit enough, while Mohamed Salah has recently scored in the Premier League and remains one of the team’s top scorers.”
He added: “Salah did not participate in the first leg, and therefore he was not as tired as some of the players, and he is used to the style of play within the team, unlike Isaac who has never played alongside Eketeke before.”
Carragher acknowledged that managerial decisions are often influenced by internal considerations but insisted that this particular call was difficult to justify based on available evidence.
No Personal Rift, but Questions Remain
Despite the criticism, Carragher dismissed suggestions of a personal dispute between Slot and Salah, explaining: “I don’t see Slot as the type of coach who holds personal grudges, as some have done in the past.”
He continued: “Perhaps it has something to do with the announcement of Salah’s departure at the end of the season, as if the coach prefers to rely on the players who will stay, but even this explanation does not seem logical, because what matters most is the present.”
His remarks reflect broader uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future at Liverpool, with speculation continuing about a possible departure at the end of the campaign.
Additional Concerns Over Wirtz’s Form
Carragher also used the opportunity to assess the performances of Florian Wirtz, expressing concern over the midfielder’s recent displays in high-profile matches.
He explained: “Wirtz is a technically good player, but he has not yet provided the required contribution, especially in big matches, where he lacked decisiveness against players like Vitinha and Neves.”
The former defender suggested that Wirtz might be better suited to a role on the left wing, rather than consistently operating as a central attacking midfielder, particularly given the physical demands of the English game.
Liverpool Exit Sparks Debate Over Selection Strategy
Liverpool’s elimination has intensified scrutiny on Slot’s tactical approach, with Carragher’s comments highlighting concerns over squad management in crucial fixtures. As the club reflects on its European campaign, questions remain over whether different decisions—particularly regarding Salah—might have altered the outcome.
