Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher didn’t hold back in his criticism following the Reds’ recent Champions League defeat at the hands of Galatasaray. With back-to-back losses, including a frustrating Premier League setback against Crystal Palace, the former defender has questioned the direction of the team under Arne Slot—calling for immediate changes and singling out high-profile signing Florian Wirtz as a major concern.
Carragher Questions Liverpool’s Identity
Speaking on CBS Sports after Liverpool’s 1-0 loss in Istanbul, Carragher described the current state of the team as chaotic. “I’m not watching a top team,” he said bluntly. “This isn’t football—it’s basketball.” According to Carragher, Liverpool have lost their structure and identity, playing an end-to-end style that lacks defensive solidity and cohesion.
Carragher revealed that his concerns began from the opening match of the season, pointing to the clash against Bournemouth as an early sign of instability. Despite having “a fantastic manager” in Slot, the former centre-back feels the team has regressed defensively and failed to build on last season’s success.
Concerns Over Team Balance and Recruitment
While Liverpool enjoyed a Premier League title win last season, Carragher believes Slot now faces his toughest test yet. “He earned his money last year, but now is when he really has to prove himself,” Carragher insisted.
The main issue, in Carragher’s eyes, is the lack of balance within the squad. He specifically pointed to the underwhelming form of new signing Florian Wirtz as symbolic of deeper problems. “Right now, the balance of the team is not right,” Carragher warned. “And the obvious one that stands out is Wirtz—he’s just not at the races.”
Florian Wirtz Under the Microscope
Wirtz arrived at Anfield amid huge expectations, having lit up the Bundesliga and won back-to-back Player of the Year honors before his £125 million move. But Carragher argues the young German has yet to deliver—and also hasn’t been given the right environment to thrive.
“It’s fair to say he hasn’t been great, but Liverpool haven’t been great for him either,” Carragher stated. He pointed out that Wirtz is struggling to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, often finding himself crowded out before he can create or shoot.
Carragher referenced games against Newcastle and Burnley, where Wirtz showed flashes of promise but still appeared uncomfortable in his role. “This keeps happening—he tries to get his shots off, but defenders close him down quickly,” Carragher explained. “In the Premier League, things move faster, it’s more physical. He’s finding that adjustment hard.”
Calls for Change and Stability
Despite the early season turmoil, Carragher believes there’s still time to steady the ship. He suggests that Slot should consider removing Wirtz from the starting lineup temporarily, allowing the youngster time to adjust and regain confidence. “Go back to what worked last season,” he advised. “Bring back some stability.”
The overarching message from Carragher was clear: Liverpool need to rediscover their identity—fast. “Right now, it looks like a mess,” he concluded.
