Jamie Carragher has called on Mohamed Salah to address the media and show leadership as Liverpool struggle through a dramatic loss of form. Carragher said Salah should follow captain Virgil van Dijk’s example and publicly front up after recent defeats.
Liverpool were hammered 3-0 by Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday, their sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches, leaving the reigning champions 11th in the table — the first time in more than a decade the club have been in the bottom half. Van Dijk, as captain, spoke to reporters after the Forest loss, but Carragher believes other senior players should also take responsibility.
Carragher pointed to Salah’s previous willingness to speak out during last season’s contract negotiations and said the forward’s stature means he could play a constructive role in calming fears and explaining the dressing room’s stance. He criticised the perception that Salah tends to be visible in public only for personal milestones or when contractual issues are involved, and urged him to act as one of Liverpool’s leaders during the crisis.
Wayne Rooney, on his podcast, suggested head coach Arne Slot may need to make a bold call to reset the squad’s mentality, even contemplating leaving Salah out of the team as a message. Rooney argued that if a key player appears not to be contributing defensively or running hard, that sends the wrong signal to teammates and recent signings.
Liverpool have lost eight of their last 11 matches in all competitions, and the Anfield defeat matched their worst Premier League loss at home. That run has intensified scrutiny of Slot, who delivered last season’s title in his first year in charge. Carragher defended the Dutch manager against calls for immediate dismissal, saying sacking him this season should not be considered.
Carragher acknowledged fans’ frustration but emphasised the significance of last season’s achievement and said Slot does not deserve to be dismissed midseason. He also noted that some supporters he spoke to after the Forest match were more critical than he expected, but urged patience while results are addressed.
Liverpool’s near-term schedule:
– Wednesday: PSV Eindhoven (H), Champions League
– Sunday: West Ham United (A), Premier League
– Dec 3: Sunderland (H), Premier League
– Dec 6: Leeds United (A), Premier League
– Dec 9: Inter Milan (A), Champions League
With leadership questions looming and pressure mounting on players and manager alike, Carragher wants senior figures — particularly Salah — to step forward publicly and help guide the club through a difficult spell.