Liverpool’s elimination from the Champions League has sparked sharp criticism from club legend Jamie Carragher, who questioned manager Arne Slot’s tactical choices in the decisive second leg against Paris Saint‑Germain. The Reds lost 2‑0 at Anfield, confirming a 4‑0 aggregate defeat, and Carragher singled out the decision to bench Mohamed Salah as a major error.
Liverpool entered the match needing a dramatic turnaround after a poor first leg. Instead of starting Salah, their most prolific scorer, Slot opted for Alexander Isak, who had not featured in four months. The gamble failed. Isak managed only five touches in a subdued first half before being replaced by Salah at halftime. By then, PSG had already established control, leaving Liverpool with little chance of recovery.
Speaking to CBS Sports Golazo, Carragher expressed disbelief at the selection. “The manager will have his reasons, but Isak is nowhere near fit,” he said. He noted that Salah had scored in the Premier League days earlier and was fully integrated into Liverpool’s system, unlike Isak, who had never played alongside Hugo Ekitike.
Carragher dismissed speculation that Salah’s omission was punishment for a previous public disagreement with Slot. He argued that the manager’s decision was more likely influenced by long‑term planning, possibly favoring players expected to remain next season. Still, he found the logic flawed. “It’s about the here and now. I’m flabbergasted,” Carragher added.
The former defender also criticized summer signing Florian Wirtz, who struggled against PSG’s midfield. Carragher described the German international’s performance as underwhelming, given his high transfer fee. “He hasn’t delivered so far. He looks neat, but there’s no real punch. Against Vitinha and Joao Neves, he couldn’t lay a glove on them. When you think of what Liverpool spent, they basically got nothing,” he said.
Liverpool’s night worsened with a serious injury to Ekitike. The French striker collapsed without contact and was stretchered off. Reports suggest he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, an injury that could sideline him for nine months. The setback leaves a significant gap in Liverpool’s attack as they shift focus to the Premier League.
The Reds now face a crucial Merseyside derby against Everton without one of their key summer signings. The loss of Ekitike compounds the frustration of a European campaign that ended in disappointment and raises questions about squad depth and recruitment strategy.
Slot’s decisions will remain under scrutiny as Liverpool attempts to secure a top‑four finish. Carragher’s comments reflect wider concerns among supporters about the manager’s approach in high‑stakes matches. The decision to bench Salah, coupled with reliance on an unfit Isak and the struggles of Wirtz, has fueled debate about whether Liverpool maximized its resources in pursuit of Champions League success.
For Carragher, the issue is not only tactical but symbolic. He argued that Liverpool should prioritize proven performers in decisive moments, rather than experiment with players lacking form or fitness. His remarks underline the pressure on Slot to deliver results domestically after a European campaign marked by questionable choices and costly setbacks.
