Carragher questions Arne Slot’s decision to bench Mohamed Salah in PSG defeat

Liverpool great Jamie Carragher has criticised Arne Slot over the decision to bench Mohamed Salah in their crucial UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg encounter against PSG.

The UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night sparked early controversy, as Reds boss Arne Slot made a surprising selection decision that quickly drew attention.

Played at Anfield, the second-leg encounter saw PSG secure a 2-0 victory, mirroring the result from the first leg and sealing their progression in the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League.

Much of the post-match discussion centred on the absence of Mohamed Salah from the starting lineup. The Egyptian forward, who had also been left out at the start of the first leg, was only introduced in the 31st minute following an injury to Hugo Ekitike.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher did not hide his confusion over the decision while speaking on CBS Sports. The pundit questioned why one of Liverpool’s most reliable attacking threats was once again overlooked from the start.

“I can’t believe it. I don’t know why (he didn’t start him). The manager certainly has his reasons, but Isaac is nowhere near fit,” Carragher said.

He went on to highlight Salah’s recent form and availability, noting that the forward had not been burdened by the same schedule as others in the squad.

“Salah did not play in the first leg, and therefore he is not one of the players who played in the Champions League and then in the league earlier this week (against Fulham).”

Carragher added: “He played in the league and scored a goal, and he is of course, one of Liverpool’s best goalscorers. He is used to this system, while Isaac, on the other hand, has never played with Eketeke before.”

Despite his criticism, Carragher dismissed the idea that the decision was influenced by any personal issues between Slot and Salah.

“I don’t see him as the kind of manager who would say, ‘I still remember what you did to me a few months ago and your public criticism of me (the statements after the Leeds match).'”