Speaking to the ECHO, Ally McCoist said he ultimately disagrees with Jamie Carragher's criticism of Mohamed Salah regarding his recent contract comments.
Mohamed Salah is unhappy with the pace of contract talks at Liverpool
Mohamed Salah is unhappy with the pace of contract talks at Liverpool(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
Ally McCoist says Mohamed Salah was within his rights to air his frustration over his contract situation at Liverpool and ultimately disagrees with Jamie Carragher’s subsequent criticism. Salah revealed on Sunday that he has not yet been formally offered a new deal.
The ECHO understands talks with his agent, Ramy Abbas, are ongoing. But after scoring a winning brace against Southampton, Salah admitted he was “disappointed” not to have been officially tabled a renewal.
“I haven't received any offers yet to stay in the club, [so] I'm probably more out than in,” he said. "I'm disappointed but we will see."
READ MORE: Liverpool and Real Madrid Trent Alexander-Arnold 'transfer meeting held' as January plan 'hatched'READ MORE: I was close to going to Real Madrid – but as soon as Liverpool came in, that was it
It was one of only a few occasions that Salah has stopped to speak to the written media after a game. Carragher has taken issue with the timing of Salah’s decision to voice his annoyance and accused him of being “selfish”.
“I must say I am very disappointed with Salah,” admitted Carragher, who said he was “desperate” for the club and player to reach an agreement. “That interview, Liverpool have got Real Madrid midweek and they’ve got Manchester City at the weekend. That’s the story for Liverpool right now…
“If he continues to put comments out or his agent keeps putting cryptic tweets out, that’s selfish. That’s thinking about themselves and not the football club.”
While former Scotland forward McCoist admitted he could understand Carragher’s point, he believes Salah did nothing wrong. “I don't have a problem with it, I genuinely don't,” McCoist told the ECHO.
“I get where Jamie's coming from being a Liverpool man, the timing from Liverpool's point of view might not be ideal. That’s not Salah’s problem.
Jamie Carragher slammed Mohamed Salah
"I think the bigger issue is that he hasn’t received a [formal] offer. I find that unbelievable, actually to tell you the truth.”
McCoist added: “The negotiation is key between both parties - Salah's agent and Liverpool’s board, I get that. But it didn't seem a cry for help at all - it’s as if he just wanted to put the issue out there.
“That his conscious is clear because he hasn’t got a decision to make yet. That was my reading of the situation.
“Salah was more or less saying ‘Look, I can't make this decision because I don’t have a decision to make yet'. I think that’s him being honest. I think he’s been fair.
Mohamed Salah celebrates
“I absolutely don't have a problem with that. Jamie and some Liverpool fans may not be happy with the timing of it. I get that. But from his point of view, it’s perfect timing.
“He’s just had a second half performance against Southampton where he has been out of this world. Liverpool fans are going crazy, he’s taken his top off, he looks nothing short of magnificent! His form has been magnificent - what do you expect him to do?
“He’s got to strike while the iron’s hot. And as a side issue, I’m desperate he stays. Because we want to watch the best players week in week out and boy is he one of them.”
Ally McCoist was spekaing to the Liverpool Echo courtesy of TalkSPORT BET.