Liverpool is in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification for next season after slipping to sixth in the Premier League table under struggling boss Arne Slot
19:29, 27 Jan 2026Updated 19:29, 27 Jan 2026
Jamie Carragher is concerned about Liverpool
Jamie Carragher is concerned about Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher thinks Arne Slot's Liverpool players are struggling to cope with set pieces, counter-attacking soccer, and low blocks.
Liverpool icon Carragher delivered his damning verdict following the team's 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday. The Reds fought back from two goals down on the south coast, only for Cherries winger Amine Adli to score a last-minute winner from a throw-in.
The result leaves Liverpool sixth in the Premier League table, two points behind a resurgent Manchester United in fourth. More worryingly, the Reds, who convincingly won the Premier League title last season, are just three points above Sunderland in 11th.
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Carragher was asked about the pressure Slot is under during an appearance on Monday Night Football. He said: "I think some of the criticism and the disrespect he's had from supporters is far too much, considering they won the league title last season.
"But if he doesn't qualify for the Champions League, he doesn't have a leg to stand on. Liverpool... can accept they are not going to win the league or challenge this year. We accept it: not good enough, but we accept it.
"Once you start seeing what Manchester United have done in the last couple of weeks, once you start seeing Chelsea, and you see where Liverpool could finish outside the Champions League positions, I really fear for them."
Arne Slot is under pressure at Anfield
Arne Slot is under pressure at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)
United and Chelsea have both just won back-to-back league games after appointing a new manager. Michael Carrick has replaced Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, while Liam Rosenior has succeeded Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge.
Carragher added: "Once you start fearing Champions League qualification for next season, that's when you have a completely different proposition when you are talking about the manager's job.
"Not making the Champions League as (defending Premier League) champions, spending £450 million ($620 million) and having the highest wage bill in the Premier League - which is the biggest determining factor normally about where you finish in the league - I think you have serious questions to ask."
Carragher then made his cannot cope argument. He continued: "The real worry I have for Liverpool in actually qualifying for the Champions League is if I think of the three big things you come up against in the Premier League, it's set-pieces and long throws.
"It's counter-attacking football for and against, and if you are a top team like Liverpool, it's coming up against low blocks - Liverpool can't cope with any of them. We are seeing a team not suited to the Premier League.
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"When we see them in Europe, are set-pieces and long throws as important? No. Is counter-attacking important? It is always important, but not as much in Europe, and no one plays a low block in Europe, so it suits Liverpool.
"They can beat Real Madrid, they can go away to Inter Milan and win, they can go away and win at Marseille, get into the top eight, and into the knockout round. I don't think this team is equipped for the Premier League."
The Reds can make sure of a top-eight finish in the Champions League when they face Qarabag at Anfield on Wednesday. They are back in Premier League action on Saturday, when Eddie Howe and Newcastle travel to Merseyside.