Concerns Over Liverpool’s Current Performance
Jamie Carragher, the former defender for Liverpool and the England national team, recently expressed his concerns regarding the current state of his old club, likening their style of play to that of a basketball team. He emphasized the pressing need for head coach Arne Slot to address the team’s ongoing struggles this season.
Recent Defeats
Liverpool experienced a disappointing 1-0 loss to Galatasaray on Tuesday, with Victor Osimhen netting the decisive goal from the penalty spot. This defeat marks the second consecutive setback for the Merseyside club, following a previous loss to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Carragher’s Critique
In an interview with CBS Sports, Carragher stated, “I’m not watching a top team. Liverpool aren’t playing football at the moment; they are playing basketball. It’s just end to end, and I don’t think top teams play like that.”
He further noted the negative impact on Liverpool’s defense, highlighting a significant loss of solidity at the back while the team’s offensive momentum has stagnated.
“These defeats have been looming,” Carragher pointed out, indicating that such performances are not entirely surprising. He further emphasized that it is crucial for the manager to rectify these issues quickly.
Scrutiny on New Signings
One of Liverpool’s prominent summer acquisitions, Florian Wirtz, has also come under scrutiny for his performance. The young player struggled during the match in Istanbul and has yet to contribute any goals or assists in both the Premier League and European competitions since joining the club.
Carragher noted, “Right now, I don’t think the balance of the team is right, and the obvious one that stands out is Florian Wirtz. He’s just not at the races at all.”
Path to Recovery
Carragher acknowledges that while Wirtz is still adapting to a new league, it may be time for him to step back and allow Liverpool to regain their previous season’s form. He suggests that a return to defensive fundamentals could help the team rebuild confidence.
He concluded, “Because right now it is a mess. It’s not just the losses; this has been building from day one.”
