Following Liverpool's recent 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool player and current Sky Sports pundit, has expressed his doubts regarding the Reds' chances of securing a Champions League qualification spot this season. The loss, suffered at Anfield on Sunday, leaves Arne Slot's side four points behind Chelsea, who currently occupy fifth place in the Premier League.
Carragher didn't mince words when assessing Liverpool's prospects. When asked if he believes Liverpool will finish in the top five and qualify for the Champions League, which is expected to expand to five qualifying positions this season, he responded, "No. Right now I don't". He emphasized that Liverpool would need a "huge upturn in form," while noting the strong form of the teams currently above them in the league table.
Reflecting on the impact of the defeat to Manchester City, Carragher described it as "a bad one". He pointed out the growing gap between Liverpool and the Champions League qualifying positions, suggesting that the team will need to perform well in the remaining cup competitions to salvage their season.
The match against Manchester City saw Dominik Szoboszlai give Liverpool a second-half lead with a stunning strike. However, City responded with goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland to turn the game around. Adding to Liverpool's woes, Szoboszlai was later sent off, further compounding Arne Slot's selection problems.
Carragher also highlighted Liverpool's immediate challenges, particularly the upcoming midweek trip to Sunderland. With injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, coupled with Szoboszlai's suspension, Liverpool are facing a shortage of options at right-back. Carragher noted the problems Slot faces with limited options for the game against Sunderland.
This isn't the first time Carragher has been critical of Liverpool's performance this season. Following a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City earlier in the season, Carragher openly criticized Ibrahima Konaté, stating, "I have absolutely no idea what (Ibrahima) Konaté is trying to do". He further added, "When Liverpool concede a goal or have a problem, he is at the heart of the problem".
Despite Carragher's grim assessment, Virgil van Dijk has insisted that Liverpool can still make this season "special". However, Carragher believes that the only way Liverpool can achieve this is through success in cup competitions. The Reds will need to quickly regroup and address their shortcomings if they hope to prove Carragher wrong and secure a coveted Champions League spot.