Liverpool's Carabao Cup final disappointment against Newcastle led Anfield legend Jamie Carragher to point out that Arne Slot needs to splash some significant cash in the summer transfer window
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Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool need at least "five or six" new players this summer
(Image: Sky Sports The Overlap)
Jamie Carragher has told Arne Slot he needs to sign “at least five or six players” after Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle. The Reds suffered an upset in Sunday’s clash at Wembley Stadium, losing 2-1 to the Magpies.
A stoppage time goal from Federico Chiesa came too little too late for Arne Slot’s men, having conceded to Dan Burn and Alexander Isak either side of half time. Liverpool, despite having far greater possession than Newcastle, were thoroughly outfought and had their attack stifled by Eddie Howe’s side, who recorded more shots and attempts on target while also having a goal chalked off for offside.
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The performance was uncharacteristic of a Liverpool team that has dominated the Premier League this season. Yet it echoed some of the same problems visible when they were knocked out of the Champions League prematurely by Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the week at Anfield.
While there were elements of fatigue visible and potentially bruised confidence from their European exit, club legend Carragher pointed out afterwards that Liverpool’s over-reliance on 15 or 16 players has cost them. He stated that the current Liverpool team is not Slot’s own squad and that the manager doesn’t have faith in several players outside of his main selection.
Carragher said on The Overlap Fan Debate: “You can look at it two ways. You can say that it’s come back to bite them on the backside, with the Champions League and this cup final. But does that put Liverpool in the position that we are as well? Are the other squad players as good?
“I don’t think he has any time for four or five players in that squad, and the fact that he didn’t change players at home to Southampton between the PSG games – against one of the worst teams ever in the Premier League – I can accept that this season as this isn’t really his squad, but next season I’m sure he’ll bring players in.
"He’ll have to trust his squad more because he’ll need to get further in the Champions League, and he can’t accept a performance like that in a cup final.”
Carragher went on to name the specific positions where Slot needs to strengthen in the upcoming summer transfer window, believing three starters and three bench players are needed.
Arne Slot
Arne Slot has been knocked out of two competitions in a week
The ex-defender said: “I’m excited to see where Arne Slot will take Liverpool because it looks like they’re going to win the league, but there are still so many areas to improve. He needs a centre-back as back-up to the two that we have, he’ll need a right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold likely to leave.
“I think he needs a centre midfielder to replace Endo, someone younger and that he trusts, a centre-forward to play and a left-winger. There are at least five or six players he needs to get in – three to go straight in the team and three to be strong back-ups.”
Liverpool would need further reinforcements if star players Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk also leave. As it stands, the legendary trio are set to depart Anfield in the summer, having not yet committed to new contracts.
Yet, despite the drastic measures Carragher has called for, Liverpool’s current squad has been good enough this season to take them 12 points clear atop the Premier League table. And Slot’s first season in England appears to be heading towards a comfortable league title triumph.