Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool stalwart and current Sky Sports pundit, has found himself in the crosshairs of some of the club’s current players due to his outspoken critiques on their performances and notably, his comments on Mohamed Salah. As Carragher’s relationship with Liverpool becomes increasingly fraught, tensions within the club appear to be mounting.
The Reds, under the stewardship of Arne Slot, are enduring a difficult campaign, languishing in tenth place in the Premier League standings following their first 15 fixtures. The atmosphere was further strained after a pulsating 3-3 draw against Leeds United, during which Salah voiced his discontent about being sidelined in three successive matches. The Egyptian star openly criticised Liverpool for allegedly “throwing him under the bus,” marking a significant strain in his rapport with manager Slot.
Carragher, never one to mince his words, labelled Salah’s public grievances as a “disgrace,” chastising the 33-year-old for his perceived self-interest during what he described as a testing period for the club.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, discontent is brewing among Liverpool’s ranks, with several players reportedly irked by Carragher’s forthright analyses. In response to these tensions, the club is understood to have convened a meeting with Carragher in late September, addressing the tone and nature of his punditry.
Sources within Liverpool suggest that Carragher’s relationship with the club has become increasingly strained of late. An unnamed insider remarked, “He is a highly-regarded former player with a great legacy and a fervent Liverpool supporter. His charitable efforts often align positively with our initiatives, but his television work adds a complex layer to our relationship.”
Captain Virgil van Dijk is purportedly among those less enamoured with Carragher’s commentary, as another source close to Carragher explained, “It’s the nature of the beast. Jamie receives criticism whether he’s seen as too praiseworthy or too harsh. He has grown accustomed to it.”
Despite the criticism, Carragher remains unabashed, insisting that he stands firm in his convictions. “He thinks there’s a lot of fakery in modern football and is willing to call it out when necessary,” a source noted.
Amid these controversies, a Liverpool insider noted, “Robust criticism can indeed be beneficial in sustaining standards. Jamie’s insight into the club is unparalleled, which makes his observations particularly impactful.”
The situation remains tense, yet Carragher’s approach to punditry appears unchanged, and whether this will sway the dynamics at Liverpool remains to be seen. For now, he continues to navigate his unique role as a critic with a deep emotional investment in the club he once served with distinction.