Jamie Carragher has expressed concern over Liverpool’s recent performances, insisting they do not resemble a top-tier team following consecutive losses in the Premier League and Champions League. He urged manager Arne Slot to “earn his money” and address the team’s shortcomings.
The Reds faced a 1-0 defeat against Galatasaray in Istanbul on Tuesday, adding to their 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace just days earlier.
Similar defensive lapses were evident in both matches, compounded by injuries to goalkeeper Alisson Becker and striker Hugo Ekitike.
“I’m not witnessing the play of a top team,” Carragher stated to CBS Sports. “Right now, Liverpool seem to be playing basketball—it’s all end-to-end action, which isn’t the signature style of a top club.”
“I conveyed my concerns to the manager early in the season; he understands the game far better than I do. He’s undoubtedly an exceptional manager. However, Liverpool has shifted from being a solid team last season to one that showcases glimpses of brilliance through recent signings.”
“But they’ve made no strides forward while sacrificing a lot defensively.”
“For the manager, who had a relatively smooth run last season, it’s crucial he steps up now. He did brilliantly last season, securing the Premier League title. Yet, there are pressing issues to resolve, especially after investing significantly in new players.”
“Liverpool was overwhelmed by Newcastle in the second half of that match, despite Newcastle playing with 10 men. Such situations should not occur. Crystal Palace had seven clear chances over the weekend, the highest conceded by any team this season. Liverpool is the reigning champion.”
“This decline has been on the horizon — it’s not surprising. The manager has to put measures in place to rectify these issues.”
‘Wirtz needs to be dropped, it’s chaotic’
Carragher argues that Florian Wirtz should be removed from the lineup.
One adjustment Carragher would advocate for is the exclusion of Florian Wirtz from the starting XI.
Wirtz was absent during the 1-0 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby but was brought back for the match against Crystal Palace, where he has yet to contribute a goal or assist in either the Premier League or Champions League.
“Right now, I don’t think the team’s balance is correct, and Wirtz is a glaring example,” Carragher noted. “He’s struggling to find his rhythm in a new league. He has ample time to prove himself at Liverpool, but at this moment, I believe he should be sidelined to help the team regain last season’s form and rebuild confidence and defensive strength.”
“Currently, it’s disorganized. It’s not solely about the losses or recent defeats; this decline has been anticipated.”
What Carragher discussed with Slot at the season’s outset
As mentioned earlier, Carragher cautioned Slot about Liverpool’s style of play after their opening match against Bournemouth.
This is what the Sky Sports analyst stated:
“Liverpool has been grappling with this issue. How many players are ahead of the ball—maybe eight—while they’re leading 2-1? That’s unacceptable at this level.”
“This situation isn’t right. While it’s just one game after the Community Shield, I’ve seen enough football to know that this push-forward tactic is not effective for me.”
“I never felt Liverpool was in control during any minute of the game last week in the Community Shield. While a 2-2 draw against Palace can occur, what’s telling is how easily they allowed Palace to penetrate their defense.”
“In the first half, Bournemouth should’ve been at least 2-0 up at one point.”
“There’s undoubtedly an issue that Arne Slot requires resolution. While many argue for a center-back, a new defender won’t resolve the underlying problem; it would simply replace Konate.”
“It’s about the configuration of the team, with two attacking full-backs and a No. 10 focused more on being offensive than fulfilling defensive duties like [Dominik] Szoboszlai did last season.”
“If Liverpool continues in this fashion, I doubt they’ll secure the league title.”
Liverpool’s challenges in detail
- One crucial requirement is the players’ availability. With Alisson limping off and ruled out for the Chelsea match, concerns mount as he has been vital in Liverpool’s recent successes, including last season’s title run.
- Liverpool clearly felt the absence of Hugo Ekitike during the loss against Crystal Palace; his exit due to injury is another significant setback, especially with Alexander Isak struggling and having scored just once in five outings.
- Bearing these injuries in mind, the upcoming match against Chelsea will pose an even tougher challenge, notwithstanding the issues plaguing Enzo Maresca’s side.
- Defensively, Liverpool seems to be vulnerable. Ibrahima Konate delivered another subpar performance in Turkey, and his poor pass almost led to a second goal for Galatasaray. The defense struggled to contain Victor Osimhen.
- Concerns also linger at right-back, where Dominik Szoboszlai struggled against Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz, who earned a penalty from him. Jeremie Frimpong faced criticism from Slot after the loss to Crystal Palace and was relegated to a winger role against Galatasaray—should it be time to try Conor Bradley? However, Slot has noted Bradley’s unfitness for back-to-back matches.
- What is happening with Mohamed Salah? He appears far from his best, even when considering last season’s elevated standards. For the first time in three years, his minutes are being monitored, raising concerns. If his performance declined to the point of benching, that is worrying.
- Florian Wirtz remains without a goal or assist in the Premier League and Champions League. With impressive off-the-ball statistics, his £100 million price tag is coming under scrutiny.
- Liverpool’s recent fortune seems to have faded. In the last two matches, late drama has consistently gone against them, even despite VAR intervention. Are they returning to a harsh reality?
- A midfield that was a crucial feature of their success last season now appears fragile. Gravenberch has made expensive errors and lost five out of six duels. Wirtz notched a staggering nine losses in 13 duels. Alexis Mac Allister is still regaining full fitness following a compromised pre-season.
- A silver lining? They remain atop the Premier League for now. But how long will that last?
Catch Chelsea vs Liverpool live on Sky Sports Premier League from 5 PM on Saturday, with kick-off at 5:30 PM.