Jamie Carragher wants Liverpool to “go for” the Premier League title in Andoni Iraola‘s first season as manager at Anfield.
An exciting new era is underway at Anfield, with Iraola coming in as the Reds’ new head coach after things grew stale under Arne Slot.
Liverpool produced a woeful defence of their Premier League title last season, finishing in fifth place, and huge improvements are required in 2026/27.
Speaking to Sky Sports at Ascot, Reds legend Carragher said that while he doesn’t think Iraola’s side will be champions, a title challenge is a must.
“Them days are gone from when I played, when managers came in and it was like a four-or five-year project to try and win the league or come close to winning the league,” Carragher said.
“Them days are gone and I said that when Arne Slot came in, you know, Jurgen Klopp’s team finished third, you’ve got to go for the league and he won the league, and it’s the same with Iraola.
“Liverpool finished fifth last season, nowhere near good enough.
“So, I’m not expecting Liverpool to win the league next season, but we are Liverpool. We’re going to spend big in the summer.
“We’ve got a lot of great players and yeah, we’re gonna challenge.”
Should Liverpool be expected to win the title next season?
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola reacts following the Premier League match at Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth. Picture date: Tuesday March 3, 2026.
Expectations should rightly be high going into the new season, given Iraola’s reputation as an elite coach who worked wonders at Bournemouth.
But much as supporters may hate the term, there could still be a transitional feel about the campaign, as the Spaniard and lots of new signings bed in.
That’s not to say that Liverpool shouldn’t be expected to produce a title challenge, but whether they have enough to go all the way is debatable.
Andoni Iraola, the manager of Bournemouth shouts instructions. Premier League match, Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth at Anfield in Liverpool on Saturday 19th August 2023. this image may only be used for Editorial purposes. Editorial use only, license required for commercial use. No use in betting, games or a single club/league/player publications. pic by Chris Stading/Andrew Orchard sports photography/Alamy Live news Credit: Andrew Orchard sports photography/Alamy Live News
Champions Arsenal feel more settled, having had Mikel Arteta and his key players around for several years, while Man City will again be obvious contenders.
This is still a Liverpool squad littered with incredible talent, though, and if Iraola gets the most out of his players and new signings excel, a great season should be expected.
A third-place finish shouldn’t be considered ‘bad’, but equally, it should never be the aim for a club of the Reds’ stature.