Allardyce Fires Back: Carragher’s “Pathetic” Salah Verdict Sparks Major Football Deba
Jamie Carragher’s recent criticism of Mohamed Salah has ignited a heated war of words in the football world, with former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce stepping in to fiercely defend the Liverpool superstar. Carragher, speaking after Liverpool’s win over West Ham, suggested that Salah no longer looks like the dynamic forward who terrorised defences for years. His claim that Salah’s “legs have gone” struck a nerve with many fans, but none responded as passionately as Allardyce, who dismissed the comments as disrespectful and “pathetic.”
Salah’s form this season has undoubtedly dipped compared to his sensational campaign last year, where he played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s title triumph. This season, however, has been more complicated for the Egyptian icon. Injuries across the squad, tactical adjustments under Arne Slot, and Liverpool’s inconsistent performances have all contributed to Salah’s struggles. Slot’s decision to bench him in recent matches has only intensified talk about whether the 33-year-old is beginning to decline or simply navigating a difficult patch.
Carragher, analysing the situation on CBS Sports, pointed to the decline of Liverpool’s once-great spine—Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, and Salah. He argued that the trio who defined Liverpool’s peak era no longer appear at their dominant best. For him, Salah’s drop in pace and explosiveness is a sign of ageing catching up with him. But Allardyce strongly disagreed, arguing that such a conclusion is premature, insensitive, and completely dismissive of Salah’s professionalism and recent achievements.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce questioned how Carragher could assume Salah’s decline without witnessing his training routine or understanding the physical demands placed on him week after week. He insisted that form dips happen even to elite athletes and that it is impossible for a player to lose their athleticism “overnight,” especially after the outstanding campaign Salah had just last season. According to Allardyce, Salah’s struggles mirror those of many Liverpool players this year, making him an unfair scapegoat.
Salah’s numbers this season—five goals and three assists in 19 appearances—may not match his historic output, but Allardyce reminded fans that context matters. The team has faced numerous challenges, and even world-class players experience phases of reduced productivity. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of respecting Salah’s legacy at the club. Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has shattered records, won every major trophy available, and grown into one of the greatest players in the club’s history.
This latest disagreement is not the first time Carragher and Salah have clashed indirectly. Earlier this year, Carragher criticised Salah’s behaviour during his contract negotiations, suggesting the forward mishandled the situation. Salah responded publicly, hinting that Carragher was “obsessed” with him. Though the tension cooled when Salah eventually signed a new deal, the pundit has continued to scrutinise Salah’s performances more intensely than most players.
Despite the ongoing debate, Salah has proven time and again that he thrives under pressure. Just as Casemiro silenced Carragher’s claims last season with a resurgence in form, Salah has the pedigree, mentality, and experience to prove his critics wrong once again. A spell out of the lineup may even offer him the reset he needs. With his track record of bouncing back stronger, writing off Mohamed Salah is a risk few should be willing to take.
