Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher expressed his belief that head coach Arne Slot would struggle to defend his position if the team fails to qualify for the Champions League.
A loss to Bournemouth, combined with victories from both Manchester United and Chelsea, has left Slot’s squad in sixth place, two points adrift of the fourth spot in the Premier League standings.
While they have an opportunity to advance to the knockout stage of the Champions League against Qarabag this Wednesday, Carragher remains skeptical about their chances of qualifying for next season’s prestigious European tournament through the domestic league.
“Some of the criticism and disrespect he’s faced from fans is excessive, considering they won the league title last season. However, if he fails to secure a Champions League spot, he won’t have much of a defense,” Carragher stated on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
“Liverpool’s supporters can accept that they aren’t in a position to win the league or genuinely contend this year. We acknowledge that the current performance is not good enough, but we understand.”
“Considering what Manchester United has accomplished recently, and Chelsea’s resurgence, I’m genuinely concerned about Liverpool’s potential to finish outside of the Champions League positions.”
“When fears over Champions League qualification for the next season start to rise, that changes the conversation regarding the manager’s future.”
“Failing to make the Champions League despite being last season’s champions, along with an expenditure of £450 million ($615.95m) and having the highest wage bill in the Premier League—typically a significant factor in league standings—raises serious concerns.”
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Carragher believes that one of the main obstacles to qualification through their league standing is the team’s inability to handle the demands of the Premier League.
“My major concern about Liverpool’s chances for Champions League qualification is their struggles with three primary challenges in the league: set-pieces and long throws, counter-attacking football, and the difficulties posed by teams that play low blocks—Liverpool struggles against all of these,” he added.
“This is a team that seems ill-equipped for the Premier League. In contrast, during European matches, do set-pieces and long throws play a significant role? Not really. Is counter-attacking still vital? While important, it doesn’t hold as much weight in Europe, where low blocks are absent.”
“Liverpool can triumph over teams like Real Madrid, they can win against Inter Milan away, and they can secure victories at Marseille, reaching the top eight and advancing to the knockout rounds.”
“However, I don’t believe this squad is prepared for the Premier League.”