The ECHO spoke to the former Liverpool vice-captain at this year's Grand National Ladies Day about the Reds' poor form and why he "loves" Everton manager David Moyes
The Liverpool Echo's Tony Scott speaking to Jamie Carragher at the 2026 Grand National at Aintree, April 10 2026
The Liverpool Echo's Tony Scott speaking to Jamie Carragher at the 2026 Grand National at Aintree, April 10 2026(Image: Liverpool Echo)
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Jamie Carragher has issued his verdict on Arne Slot’s future at Liverpool ahead of the Merseyside Derby. The ECHO spoke to the Reds legend and boyhood Evertonian on the second day of this year's Grand National festival at Aintree.
Despite winning the Premier League last season, the Reds head coach has come under increasing pressure from Liverpool fans after a string of poor performances this season, which have left the Reds in a battle to qualify for the Champions League. They were dumped out of the FA Cup last weekend in a 4-0 battering away atManchester City.
Then, in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, they were comfortably beaten 2-0 away at PSG.
Liverpool return to Premier League action tomorrow at Anfield against Fulham, followed by the second leg against PSG next Tuesday and the Merseyside Derby against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday. Slot insisted he has the "complete support" of the Liverpool hierarchy this morning.
When the ECHO asked Carragher at Ladies Day if he was facing the biggest week of his Liverpool career so far, the former LFC vice-captain said: “Yes, from a Liverpool supporter’s point of view. That's the way we look at it.
“Whether that's the way the ownership looks at that or not, I don't know. Obviously, you read media reports and you read between the lines, and it doesn't seem that's the case right now.
“But Liverpool have got some big games between now and the end of the season in the league. I think of Everton away, and I think of Man United away. And if they don't go well, obviously, that heaps the pressure on him.
“But listen, I don't really like saying that. He's a manager who's won the league (for) Liverpool, so I love him for that and I always will do, but it's high stakes, isn't it?
“And Liverpool have been a long way off where everybody expects to be this season. We know there's reasons for that as well. But the drop off has been startling and really no-one expected that.”
Carragher admitted he is not relishing the thought of this Liverpool team facing PSG again, as well as an in-form Everton next week who are chasing a place in Europe and face fellow chasers Brentford tomorrow.
When asked if he is looking forward to the first derby at Everton’s new stadium, he said: “Not at the moment, no. But listen, I think most Liverpudlians want the season to end really and just make sure we're in the Champions League for next season.
“There was a little bit of hope with maybe the cup competitions, but they look a little bit long gone. But you never know if they’ll get an early goal at Anfield against PSG. They're a brilliant team and they've shown that against Liverpool the last couple of years.
“Everton, what they've done this season… Brentford are in a similar position as they are, knocking on the door of the Champions League in European places, so it'd be interesting what happens there tomorrow.
“That's a big game, but if Everton were to win that and then go into the derby…who knows (what could happen).”
Carragher also heaped praise on Everton’s manager David Moyes. Moyes has received criticism from some sections of the fanbase during his second spell from his cautious approach at times and poor home form, but Carragher says he is the best manager the Blues have seen since title-winning boss Howard Kendall.
Carragher said: “I love David Moyes. I think he’s been a brilliant Everton manager. He's the best ever manager since Howard Kendall.
“What he did the first time around was fantastic and what he's doing right now is amazing as well with Everton a few points off the Champions League.
“The last four or five years have just been worrying, fighting relegation, so to have that turnaround, it’s just brilliant. He's a brilliant Everton manager.”
Carragher added he was delighted to be at Aintree once again on Ladies Day. He said: “I try to get here every year. The ladies look fantastic as they usually do.
“This is my favourite day and hopefully I’ll get a few winners. Everybody looks forward to it, everyone gets dressed up, not just the women - the lads have a little go as well. We're delighted that we've got the Grand National. We make the most of it, and rightly so.”