Liverpool's Arne Slot is under immense pressure to deliver Champions League qualification this season, with club legend Jamie Carragher suggesting the Dutchman's job could be on the line if they fail to do so. The warning comes amidst a backdrop of inconsistent form and growing concerns about Liverpool's ability to compete with the Premier League's top teams.

Slot, who led Liverpool to their 20th Premier League title last season, has seen his stock fall dramatically in recent months. The team's recent struggles, including a defeat to Bournemouth that ended an unconvincing unbeaten run, have placed him under intense scrutiny. Adding to the pressure, Slot is now considered the favorite to be the next Premier League manager sacked.

Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, didn't mince words when assessing Slot's situation. "If you don't qualify for the Champions League, having won the league the season before and spent as much as Liverpool, I don't think you've got a leg to stand on," Carragher stated. He highlighted the significant investment made in the squad, approximately £450 million, and the club's high wage bill, emphasizing that Champions League qualification should be the minimum expectation.

Liverpool currently sit sixth in the Premier League, trailing Manchester United and Chelsea in the race for the top four. Carragher believes that Liverpool's struggles stem from their inability to cope with key aspects of the Premier League. He pointed out their weakness in defending set-pieces and counter-attacks, as well as their difficulties in breaking down low blocks. "What we're seeing is a team in the Premier League that's not suited to the Premier League," Carragher added.

Adding fuel to the fire, reports suggest that fans are already clamoring for Xabi Alonso, formerly of Real Madrid, to take over. Alonso was allegedly FSG's (Fenway Sports Group) first choice to replace Jurgen Klopp, further undermining Slot's position.

Despite winning the league title last season, Liverpool's form has dipped considerably. They are currently winless in their last five matches, a run that has seen them fall behind their rivals. Carragher believes that Slot's side looks ill-equipped for Premier League football this season.

While Carragher acknowledges that Slot shouldn't be judged too harshly for failing to mount a title challenge this season, he believes that missing out on Champions League qualification would be a critical failure. The pundit is not convinced that Liverpool will be successful in securing a top-four finish, given their current form and the strength of their competitors.

However, it hasn't been all criticism from Carragher towards Slot. After Liverpool's 3-0 Champions League win over Marseille, Slot playfully responded to Carragher's question about the team’s tactics, saying "I don't think I should listen to you" in a light-hearted exchange. Despite this, the pressure remains firmly on Slot to turn Liverpool's fortunes around and secure Champions League football, or face the consequences.