Carragher states Slot would lack justification if Liverpool fails to secure Champions League qualification.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher expressed his view that head coach Arne Slot would lack justification if they fail to secure a spot in the Champions League.
A loss to Bournemouth, along with victories for Manchester United and Chelsea, has seen Slot’s team fall to sixth place, two points adrift of the fourth position in the Premier League standings.
They have an opportunity to secure their advancement to the knockout stage of the Champions League against Qarabag on Wednesday, yet Carragher doubts their chances of qualifying for next year’s prestigious European tournament through domestic performance.
“I believe some of the criticism and disrespect he has received from fans is excessive, given that they won the league title last season, but if he fails to qualify for the Champions League, he won’t have a solid argument,” Carragher stated during Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
“Liverpool as a club and its supporters can accept that they are not in contention for the league title this year. We acknowledge it: not sufficient, but we accept it.
“When you observe what Manchester United has accomplished in recent weeks, and you see Chelsea’s performance, along with the possibility of Liverpool finishing outside the Champions League spots, I genuinely worry for them.
“When the prospect of not qualifying for the Champions League next season becomes a concern, it alters the conversation regarding the manager’s position significantly.
“Failing to reach the Champions League as reigning champions, after spending £450 million ($615.95m) and having the highest wage bill in the Premier League—which typically plays a crucial role in determining league standings—raises serious questions.”
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Carragher believes that one of the primary obstacles to qualifying through their league position is that the current squad is unable to meet the demands of the Premier League.
“My main concern for Liverpool regarding Champions League qualification is that when I consider the three major challenges in the Premier League—set-pieces and long throws, counter-attacking play both offensively and defensively, and for a top team like Liverpool, facing low blocks—Liverpool struggles with all of them,” he added.
“We are witnessing a team that is not suited for the Premier League. In Europe, are set-pieces and long throws as critical? No. Is counter-attacking significant? It is always relevant, but not to the same extent in Europe, and no teams employ a low block in Europe, which benefits Liverpool.
“They can defeat Real Madrid, win away at Inter Milan, and secure victories at Marseille, advancing to the top eight and into the knockout stage.
“I do not believe this team is prepared for the Premier League.”
