Jamie Carragher has warned that the possible Man City punishment will impact the expectations of Andoni Iraola at Liverpool, with the pressure to kick on already clear
Jamie Carragher and Andoni Iraola.
Jamie Carragher and Andoni Iraola.(Image: Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola could be under more pressure to succeed quickly at Liverpool if Manchester City is removed from the Premier League.
That is the view of Reds legend Jamie Carragher, who believes that significant progress needs to be made by the Spaniard in the next few months, starting with a huge clash against the Etihad side at Anfield this weekend.
Liverpool returns from the extended international break with a stellar fixture at Anfield that now has even more spice attached in the wake of the guilty verdict that was issued recently. Manchester City has appealed the decision and maintains its innocence.
"Iraola could be facing Manchester City at Anfield for the first and last time as Liverpool manager — he needs to make it count," Carragher wrote in his column for The Telegraph.
"The main focus for the past fortnight has been what the independent tribunal’s damning conclusions mean for City’s future.
"But as the weeks and months pass, the focus will shift towards the rest of the Premier League clubs as they consider the consequences for themselves.
"At the very top, we will soon exit a period of great uncertainty and move into one of opportunity. This will bring additional pressure for those keenest for City to receive the heaviest penalties.
Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.
Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
"Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are among those who foresaw the guilty verdicts, reserving the right to take further legal action as they seek compensation for lost winnings.
"By their own actions, it can be concluded they anticipate reaping the rewards once City are dealt with, both financially and in terms of their future ambitions.
"A significant points deduction, or the more drastic measure of expulsion, will finish Enzo Maresca’s hopes of winning the Premier League, opening the door for those closest behind.
"Arsenal are well-positioned to take advantage. Many expect them to retain their title whether the sanctions are issued before the end of this season or not. They have solid grounds for optimism that they can dominate for the next few years.
"For Liverpool, Chelsea and United, the timescale to become title challengers changes the moment City hear the outcome of their disciplinary hearing. The power shift will be instant and dramatic."
Carragher's argument is essentially that once the distraction of Manchester City is removed, there will be questions of why Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea are not closer to Arsenal.
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But a statement win this weekend would not only cut the gap to Manchester City in the Premier League standings; it could also be a springboard for further success by building momentum.
"Iraola must become a coach in a hurry," Carragher added. "People will say he does not need additional pressure or a quicker timeline to succeed. My counter-argument is he set one for himself.
"Iraola insisted on just a two-year Liverpool contract when replacing Arne Slot. It means Liverpool must make rapid progress in his first season, because in 12 months there will already be questions about whether he intends to stay, or if the club’s owners intend to keep him. That is a situation he says he is comfortable with."
Liverpool.com says: Challenging for the league title this season, even if Manchester City is removed from the equation, seems unlikely because of the limited squad depth that the Reds have. Heading in the right direction and showing substantial signs of progression, though, is a must.