Jamie Carragher was speaking after Liverpool limped to a 2-1 defeat in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United
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Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher with Arne Slot
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher with Arne Slot(Image: Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher has defended Mohamed Salah after his Carabao Cup final display against Newcastle United. The 47-year-old believes the Reds have to sign two first-team attacking options to compliment the Egyptian as he admitted that although the current are good but 'not great'.
Arne Slot has been forced to wait for his first piece of silverware in England after being outplayed by the Magpies at Wembley on Sunday. Federico Chiesa's late goal proved to be elementary as the Reds were well-beaten in the League Cup final.
Liverpool's relinquished their hold over the tournament with a whimper as their frailties were exposed by Eddie Howe's side. Salah's difficult week continued after his struggles against Paris Saint-Germain, however, Carragher believes Sunday's showing was proof that Liverpool must strengthen their attacking options to compliment the record-breaking Egyptian - who could leave the club on a free transfer in the summer.
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"I find it difficult to be too critical of the team," said Carragher. "I have to say it's one of the worst performances I've ever seen in a cup final probably going back for a very long time.
"They've given so much this season and probably in a position with the league title that no one expected, they've lost one league game and in the main, they've lost three or four games. I think what this last week has done is shone a light on what areas they need to improve in.
"The lack of pace is glaring in the attack. I almost feel sorry for Mo Salah because he was criticised after the two PSG games, possibly the best left-back in the world in Mendes who is fantastic, he didn't do much today. But he doesn't get help off the other attackers, it's not like what it was under Jurgen Klopp where Mane would bail him out or Firmino.
"The other attackers that Liverpool have got are good players, not great players. They relied on him, I saw a lot of criticism over the last week but what it shone a light on is Liverpool need to sign two attackers, not squad players, possibly to play alongside Mo Salah hopefully for next season. Liverpool look like they're going to win the league and there's lots of areas to improve on and I think they will in the summer."