Mohamed Salah sparked controversy with a public statement criticizing Liverpool's playing style after Friday's 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa, calling for a return to the 'heavy metal football' of the Jurgen Klopp era. The 33-year-old, who departs Anfield this summer, claimed the club's identity needs recovering before his final match against Brentford. Jamie Carragher immediately labeled the Egyptian's actions as 'selfish,' suggesting Salah deliberately timed his comments to pressure Arne Slot during the crucial Champions League qualification race.

Carragher compared Salah's exit strategy to Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Manchester United, predicting another 'bomb' before season's end. The former Liverpool defender argued that while Salah's criticism may ring true, choosing this moment undermines the team's European ambitions. Gary Neville added that he'd be 'fuming' if Salah were a Manchester United player, calling the timing destructive to club harmony.

With Liverpool potentially needing a win against Brentford to secure Champions League football, Carragher believes Slot must select Salah if fit, despite the distraction. The pundit noted that Slot lacks crowd support currently, making it difficult to bench a player of Salah's stature. Both pundits agree this situation damages Liverpool's unity during a pivotal moment for next season's European qualification.