Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has publicly apologized to Mohamed Salah following a heated exchange sparked by Salah's recent post-match comments. Carragher, who initially labeled Salah's remarks as "a disgrace," softened his stance during a live broadcast on CBS Sports, stating, "Mo, I apologise if I have upset you". However, the former defender also added a caveat, urging Salah to "behave yourself off the pitch".
The controversy stems from an interview Salah gave after Liverpool's 3-3 draw against Leeds United. The Egyptian forward's candid remarks were interpreted by Carragher as being deliberately timed to "cause maximum damage" and "strengthen his own position," particularly in relation to his contract and potential future with the club. Carragher suggested Salah's comments were a calculated move to put pressure on the club's ownership and potentially influence the manager, Arne Slot.
Carragher's initial criticism was fierce. He accused Salah of throwing "every Liverpool right back under the bus for the eight years" due to his perceived lack of defensive contribution. He also appeared to mock Salah's international record, suggesting he hadn't achieved significant success with Egypt.
Salah anticipated Carragher's backlash, even predicting the pundit would "go for me again and again". The tension between the two figures has reportedly been simmering for the past 18 months, with Carragher previously taking issue with Salah's contract negotiations last season and what he perceived as a decline in the forward's performance this term.
The apology occurred on CBS Sports' Champions League program, with fellow pundits Micah Richards and Thierry Henry present. Richards prompted Carragher to apologize, saying, "Would you like to apologise to Mo, and just say sorry for any disrespect? It just come from passion, you're a fan, go on, just say it down the lens". Carragher then addressed Salah directly, offering his apology but also hinting at a need for improved conduct off the field.
The timing of the apology coincided with Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League, a match where Salah was notably absent from the squad. Slot had removed Salah from selection following his public statements. After the game, Andy Robertson revealed the Liverpool dressing room's reaction to Salah's interview. Slot has since indicated that Salah could still have a future at Liverpool, depending on his response to the situation.
Carragher's shift in tone may also be attributed to the widespread backlash he received following his initial comments. Critics felt he had gone too far in his assessment of Salah, with even former teammates and other pundits voicing their disagreement. Under increasing scrutiny, Carragher seemingly opted to de-escalate the situation.
It remains to be seen how Salah will respond to Carragher's apology and whether he will address his own conduct. The incident highlights the intense pressure and scrutiny faced by high-profile footballers, both on and off the pitch. While Carragher has extended an olive branch, he has also made it clear that he expects a certain level of professionalism from Salah, suggesting that the saga may not be entirely over.
