Adebayor Defends Salah Against Carragher’s Criticism

Emmanuel Adebayor has voiced his disapproval of Jamie Carragher’s recent remarks concerning Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool legend raised questions about the timing and intent behind Salah’s media appearances, particularly after a candid post-match interview at Elland Road earlier this month, where Salah expressed feeling “thrown under the bus” by the club.

In response to Salah’s interview, Carragher suggested that the forward’s decision to engage with the media was a calculated move intended to create disruption and bolster his personal standing amid uncertainty regarding his role at Liverpool. This perspective drew significant criticism from Adebayor, a former Premier League player with a notable career at clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Crystal Palace.

Adebayor took issue with Carragher’s assessment, arguing that it undermined Salah’s accomplishments and status within the game. He pointedly described Carragher’s comments as lacking respect for one of Liverpool’s most celebrated modern players.

“I thought it was disgraceful what he did after the game. Some people have labeled it an emotional outburst, but I disagree. Salah has stopped in the mixed zone only four times in eight years at Liverpool,” Carragher stated earlier in December.

“This behavior is choreographed between him and his agent to maximize damage and fortify his own position. The treatment of Mohamed Salah lately has been unjust. The line ‘thrown under the bus’ stands out as he has, in fact, thrown the club under the bus twice in the past year. He should be working to support the club through this challenging period rather than adding to the turmoil.”

Adebayor, in turn, deemed Carragher’s comments as “disrespectful,” arguing that Salah is among the all-time greats in the Premier League.

“Some players are fortunate to be born in specific areas. Carragher was lucky to be born in Liverpool, which is why he can boast, ‘I won something.’ Mo Salah has won the league, the Champions League, and has been Liverpool’s top scorer for many seasons. He is in the conversation for the best player in Premier League history. For Carragher to publicly disrespect him is astonishing,” Adebayor asserted.

Salah’s previously unassailable status has come under scrutiny this season, as he navigates a challenging campaign marked by tactical changes, reduced playing time, and ongoing speculation about his future. His performance levels have dipped in tandem with Liverpool’s overall inconsistency under coach Arne Slot.

Carragher’s critiques have been notably direct, targeting not only Salah’s performance but also his leadership and media strategies. The former defender claimed that Salah only speaks publicly when it serves his interests, contrasting this with players who consistently face the media during tough times. This viewpoint has resonated with some fans, although others argue it neglects Salah’s long-standing professionalism and contributions.

Amid ongoing speculation regarding his future at Liverpool, Salah is currently focused on the Africa Cup of Nations, where he has already made a significant impact. After scoring a late winner in Egypt’s tournament opener, he netted another goal in a tight 1-0 victory over South Africa, converting a first-half penalty, which secured Egypt’s advancement to the knockout stages with two wins from two matches.