Jamie Carragher has made a pretty blunt assessment of Liverpool’s disappointing start to the season — and I have to say, I agree with a lot of what he said.
The former Liverpool defender believes the players have been poor for a long time and that, despite having a new manager in Andoni Iraola, Liverpool’s performances have simply not been good enough.
And when you look at the start Liverpool have had, it is difficult to argue with him.
Carragher pointed out that Liverpool probably should have had ten points from the opening fixtures, especially when you consider the schedule they were handed.
There was plenty of optimism coming into the season.
A new manager was supposed to bring a fresh start. Supporters were hoping to see more energy, more intensity and a team capable of putting last season’s disappointment behind them.
Instead, we’ve seen too many of the same problems.
Carragher said:
“These players have been really poor for a long time.”
That is a pretty damning assessment, but I think there is an important point behind it.
It would be very easy to look at Liverpool’s results and immediately start questioning Iraola. New manager, new system, disappointing performances — naturally, the manager becomes an easy target.
But I don’t think we’re at that stage.
Liverpool supporters should be looking at the players and demanding more from them.
These aren’t inexperienced youngsters who have suddenly been thrown into Premier League football. There are players in that squad who have won the Premier League, Champions League and domestic trophies.
They know what is expected at Liverpool.
And they simply haven’t been producing it consistently enough.
Carragher also made an interesting point about the usual cycle at football clubs. Last season, there was plenty of criticism directed towards Arne Slot, which Carragher felt was over the top. Now, with a new manager in charge, he believes the focus will naturally turn towards the players.
I think that’s fair.
Iraola needs time.
He needs the opportunity to mould the squad into his own team, implement his ideas and work out which players are capable of taking Liverpool forward.
But the players don’t get the luxury of simply waiting.
They need to respond now.
I want to see more intensity. More desire. More aggression. More responsibility from the senior players.
And, above all, I want to see Liverpool start playing like Liverpool again.
There is absolutely no reason this squad should be producing some of the performances we’ve seen so far.
Carragher is right — the players have got an awful lot more to give.
And now it’s time they showed it.
I don’t think Liverpool supporters are ready to turn on Iraola.
But I do think they’re entitled to look at the players and say: you’re better than this.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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