Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was left fuming after discovering the Reds' potential Champions League opponents, throwing his pen and slamming the new format on CBS Sports
Luke Thrower
09:49, 29 Jan 2026
Jamie Carragher throws a pen after learning Liverpool's potential draw in the Champions League round of 16
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Jamie Carragher was left fuming with Liverpool's potential draw in the Champions League round of 16(Image: Jamie Carragher, grab from CBS Sports Golazo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb8NWFftpPA)
Former Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was left seething after learning about the Reds' potential Champions League last-16 opponents, launching a scathing attack on the revamped format. This followed Arne Slot's men booking their spot in the top eight of the league stage with a thumping 6-0 victory against Qarabag.
A double from Alexis Mac Allister was complemented by strikes from Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and Federico Chiesa, delivering a masterclass performance at Anfield. The result ensured Liverpool controlled their own destiny in the tournament, steering clear of the nail-biting uncertainty of slipping in and out of the automatic qualification spots.
Ultimately, Slot's troops concluded the league stage in third position, trailing only Arsenal and Bayern Munich, amassing 18 points from their eight fixtures.
Liverpool's German midfielder #07 Florian Wirtz celebrates scoring the team's second goal with Liverpool's French striker #22 Hugo Ekitike (2R) during the UEFA Champions League football match between Liverpool and Qarabag at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 28, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
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Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike after the pair combined to score Liverpool's second goal in their 6-0 Champions League win at home to Qarabag(Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
The boss will be crossing his fingers for better fortune than last season, when his team topped their group only to be paired with PSG in the opening knockout rounds.
This time around, whilst it might not be as daunting as battling potential European champions, Liverpool's path won't be straightforward either.
They're set to meet one of Galatasaray, Club Brugge, Atletico Madrid, or Juventus in the round of 16, with the first and second pair scheduled to clash.
Friday's draw will reveal which section of the bracket Liverpool land in, whittling down their potential adversaries from four to merely two.
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Liverpool FC and Qarabag FK at Anfield on January 28, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)(Image: (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images))
Following this revelation, Carragher was left fuming with the system, hurling his pen whilst questioning how his former club could possibly end up third yet face such daunting prospects.
Speaking on CBS Sports, he declared: "I've just seen who Liverpool's potential opponents are... honest to god. This new format, I've had enough of it [throws pen].
"We finished top last year and we got Paris Saint-Germain, we finish third this year and get, listen to this, Atletico Madrid, Club Brugge, Galatasaray, or Juventus... and we finished third."
Micah Richards seemed to wind up Carragher further by remarking: "But, you're the mighty Liverpool."
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Jamie Carragher looks on at the end of the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)(Image: (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images))
"I know, but what you're saying is," Carragher replied. "If you're finishing third, you can't have them, you can't have Atletico Madrid in there. Juventus."
The ex-defender then suggested that rivals Manchester City would receive a favourable draw, claiming the club consistently gets "lucky" in cup competitions, though this notion was swiftly debunked when it emerged they'd meet one of Benfica, Bodo/Glimt, Inter Milan, or Real Madrid.
Carragher rapidly shifted his stance on the system, chuckling as he said: "I'll take that."
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This doesn't negate the concerns about the format, though, considering how challenging that eventual draw might prove for Liverpool when everything is confirmed on Friday.