Liverpool have reportedly held behind-closed-doors discussions with club legend Jamie Carragher following his recent analysis that caused discomfort within the squad. The meeting was said to be arranged shortly before his highly publicized war of words with Mohamed Salah, adding another layer of tension to an already chaotic week at Anfield.
The controversy began in the aftermath of Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Leeds United on Sunday, December 7, 2025. In the post-match mixed zone, Salah stunned reporters after openly venting his frustration about the club and manager Arne Slot.
Salah accused Liverpool of treating him unfairly, claimed he had “no relationship” with Slot, and even hinted that the upcoming home match against Brighton could be his final appearance for the Reds. During this emotional exchange, Salah also took an indirect swipe at Carragher—comments that immediately became the focal point of media discussions.
Shortly afterward, Salah was omitted from the squad for Liverpool’s crucial 1-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League, fueling speculation about disciplinary action and escalating internal conflict.
The day after the controversy erupted, Carragher appeared on Monday Night Football and issued a public apology to Salah—yet he continued to stress that the forward needed to manage his off-pitch conduct more professionally.
Players Also Felt Uncomfortable With Carragher’s Criticism
According to additional reporting from the Daily Mail, Salah was not the only individual bothered by Carragher’s remarks. The publication claims that Liverpool had already held a discreet meeting with the former defender to privately discuss the tone of his commentary.
This meeting reportedly took place before the public fallout with Salah and was described as a routine check-in. Liverpool had allegedly cautioned Carragher back in September, suggesting that his critiques had become excessively harsh toward the squad.
Despite the warning, Carragher remained outspoken. During his lengthy criticism of Salah on Sky Sports, he labeled the Egyptian as “a disgrace”, accusing him of attempting to undermine Arne Slot. He even revisited Salah’s early career struggles at Chelsea, noting that before his renaissance at Anfield, the forward was viewed as a player who couldn’t succeed in the Premier League—citing his two goals and three assists in 19 appearances under José Mourinho between 2013 and 2015.
Carragher’s comments quickly spread across social media, intensifying the atmosphere surrounding Liverpool’s already fragile dressing room.
Carragher Apologizes Again — But Stands Firm
While appearing on CBS Sports’ Champions League broadcast alongside Thierry Henry, Micah Richards, and Kate Abdo, Carragher offered a renewed apology to Salah. However, he deliberately stood by the substance of his earlier comments.
“Mo, I apologize if I offended you. I respect you enormously as a Liverpool player—but you must control how you act away from the pitch.”
Salah has yet to respond publicly to either the criticism or the apology.
The Mail also reported that several other Liverpool players felt uneasy with Carragher’s remarks, suggesting that the issue extended beyond a personal dispute with Salah. As one of the most influential football pundits in the UK—with major platforms on both Sky Sports and CBS—Carragher’s words carry significant weight and are quickly amplified.
A Complicated Relationship Between Carragher and Liverpool’s Current Squad
Sources cited in the report say Carragher remains confident in his work and believes his assessments are always honest and delivered with good intentions. However, the dynamic between him and Liverpool’s current squad is said to mirror the relationship Manchester United players have with Gary Neville and Paul Scholes—two former stars whose blunt commentary often creates distance with the modern dressing room.
Some Liverpool players reportedly prefer not to engage with Carragher at all, given his willingness to publicly criticize individuals by name.
The strained atmosphere surrounding the club comes at a delicate time. With Salah preparing to depart for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Brighton match, Liverpool face both competitive and political challenges. The forward remains a major transfer target for Saudi Pro League clubs ahead of the January 2026 window, though Liverpool are still evaluating how best to resolve his long-term future.
Uncertain Days Ahead at Anfield
As the controversies pile up—Salah’s explosive comments, Carragher’s stinging critique, and Liverpool’s need for stability under Arne Slot—the situation at Anfield feels fragile. The private meeting between Liverpool and Carragher underscores how sensitive the environment has become, particularly as results fluctuate and the club grapples with major changes in leadership and squad dynamics.
Whether Salah’s future will be resolved, and whether Carragher’s punditry continues to strain relations, remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: tensions behind the scenes at Liverpool are rising, and the next few weeks could be decisive for both the club and its biggest star.
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