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Liverpool’s recent performances in European competitions have been a stark contrast to their domestic struggles, with the team slipping to sixth in the Premier League following a defeat against Bournemouth. Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool defender, has expressed concerns over the team’s suitability for Premier League football, urging head coach Arne Slot to address three critical areas to retain his position amidst mounting pressure.
Jamie Carragher said: “Liverpool are not suited to the Premier League. But when we see them in Europe, set pieces and long throws are not as important. Counter-attacking is always important, but not as much in European football. This suits Liverpool. They can beat Real Madrid, go away to Inter Milan and win, and they’ll finish in the top eight and be in the knockout round.”
Despite Liverpool’s lackluster domestic form, which has seen them win none of their last five league games, the team remains in contention to finish as high as second in the Champions League group stage. However, Carragher cautioned that European success alone would not suffice to secure Slot’s future if Liverpool fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Carragher added: “Liverpool, as a club and a support, can accept an almost collective responsibility around not winning the league this year. But once you start seeing where Liverpool could actually finish, outside the Champions League positions, I really fear for them. Not making the Champions League from being champions, spending £450 million, and having the highest wage bill in the Premier League raises serious questions.”
Carragher identified set pieces, counter-attacking football, and facing low blocks as areas requiring improvement for Liverpool to secure Champions League qualification. The statistics reveal that Liverpool’s once formidable threat from set pieces has diminished, with the team ranking 17th in the league for set-piece goals. Additionally, Liverpool has struggled to defend against set pieces, conceding 14 goals, with only Bournemouth faring worse.
The Reds have also shown vulnerability on the counter-attack, conceding more goals this season compared to last, despite facing fewer shots per game. This indicates that Liverpool is allowing higher-quality chances on the break. Furthermore, the team’s ability to break down low blocks has been questioned, with Liverpool attempting more crosses per game this season but failing to convert them into goals.
Carragher concluded: “In terms of qualifying, yeah, I think some of the criticism he’s had and disrespect off certain Liverpool supporters is far too much considering he won the league title last season. But if you don’t qualify for the Champions League having won the league the season before and spent as much as Liverpool do, I don’t think you’ve got a leg to stand on.”
The data supports Carragher’s assessment, highlighting the need for Liverpool to address these critical areas to secure Champions League football next season. Without significant improvements, the pressure on Arne Slot is likely to intensify as Liverpool’s domestic form continues to falter.
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