Jamie Carragher has urged Arne Slot to forget about the domestic cup competitions with Liverpool this season, and put all of his focus on the Premier League.
The Reds face Southampton this evening in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, with Slot forced to watch on from the stands as he serves a one-match suspension. The Dutchman could go a step closer to a first trophy as Liverpool boss with victory on the south coast.
Injuries are taking their toll on Liverpool though, and Slot has already indicated he will name a much-changed side at St Mary’s, with some of the club’s youngsters likely to feature.
Although a place in the semi-finals is at stake, Slot needs to juggle his priorities amid a hectic schedule, which could become even busier in the New Year with FA Cup commitments, starting with a third-round meeting with Accrington Stanley on January 11.
With his side having had their lead at the top of the Premier League cut to two points by Chelsea over the last couple of weeks, Carragher has called for Slot to prioritize the title race - even if it means forgoing the two cup competitions.
“The title feels so important for Liverpool this season and you almost want to really explain that to the manager,” Carragher said during The Overlap’s Christmas Special Fan Debate.
“That’s what I feel like, I feel like I want to just get hold of him and say, ‘Listen, forget that FA Cup lark and the Carabao Cup.’
Arne Slot has a hectic fixture schedule to contend with at Liverpool
Arne Slot has a hectic fixture schedule to contend with at Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
“I just think, honestly I can assure you, every Liverpool fan is not bothered about them this season.
“You’re in a position where you’ve got a decent lead, it looks like City are not going to be involved, you fancy you can take on Arsenal or Chelsea – that’s the feeling with the fanbase.”
Liverpool.com says: Carragher’s absolutely right. Given the position Liverpool is in now in the league and Champions League, Slot’s first season is not going to be judged on how the Reds do in the Carabao Cup or FA Cup.
Of course, in an ideal world, Liverpool would win them all, but you only need to look at the current injury situation to know how much it could benefit the Reds to have a few games knocked off the schedule. Slot shouldn’t worry about trying to play a strong team against Southampton this evening or against Accrington next month, and just give his players as many opportunities to rest as he can in order to aid the title push.