FootballSports

Carragher on Liverpool: There are big problems

Liverpool’s season took another damaging turn after a stoppage time equaliser from Tottenham at Anfield, continuing a worrying trend that has seen the club lose control of matches late on.

According to the Daily Mirror, Jamie Carragher believes the issues run deeper than isolated mistakes, pointing instead to a broader decline in intensity, structure and identity under Arne Slot.

The result leaves Liverpool in a fragile position in the Premier League table, with their hopes of securing Champions League football under increasing threat after winning the title just a season ago.

Fading intensity at Anfield

Carragher’s main concern centres on the team’s pressing, a defining feature during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure that helped transform Liverpool into one of the most dominant sides in Europe.

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“I think they're really deep. I said on commentary yesterday that they are lots of things wrong with this Liverpool team, nothing's working. But the biggest thing that stands out for me that Liverpool have lost is the press,” he said.

Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s high intensity approach, often described as “gegenpressing”, allowed them to win the ball back quickly, overwhelm opponents and turn defence into attack within seconds. That identity played a crucial role in their Premier League and Champions League triumphs.

Now, Carragher argues, that edge has disappeared. Anfield no longer carries the same sense of inevitability, and opponents appear more comfortable playing through Liverpool’s lines.

This shift has been reflected in results. Liverpool have dropped multiple points in the closing stages of matches this season, including defeats to Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Manchester City. Tottenham added to that pattern when Richarlison scored in the 90th minute to rescue a draw.

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Missing cohesion in Liverpool squad

Liverpool’s summer rebuild was one of the most ambitious in the club’s recent history. The club broke the British transfer record twice to sign Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, while also adding Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong to refresh the squad.

On paper, the additions brought pace, creativity and attacking depth. However, Carragher believes the integration of these players has not produced a cohesive unit.

“They're not a team, they're a team of individuals,” he said.

“Quality players yes, but just been dropped in with no cohesion. You can see that on the clips and that's what they lost.”

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The criticism reflects a broader concern that Liverpool have moved away from the collective structure that defined their success. During their peak years, even star players operated within a clear system, with coordinated pressing, disciplined positioning and strong tactical understanding.

Pressure grows on Arne Slot at Liverpool

The reaction from supporters at full time against Tottenham underlined the growing frustration. Boos around Anfield marked a rare moment of discontent at a stadium long associated with unity and belief.

Arne Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp, is now facing increasing pressure as results and performances fall short of expectations. His tactical approach, which leans more towards controlled possession, contrasts with the high energy style that previously defined Liverpool.

The transition has not been seamless, and questions are emerging about whether the current squad is suited to the new system or still shaped by Jurgen Klopp’s philosophy.

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Champions League race puts Liverpool under pressure

With the Premier League season entering a defining phase, Liverpool are at risk of missing out on Champions League qualification, a significant drop for a club that recently sat at the summit of English and European football.

Failure to secure a top four finish would not only represent a sporting setback but could also impact recruitment plans, financial strength and the club’s ability to compete at the highest level.

For now, the focus remains on whether Liverpool can rediscover their intensity, rebuild cohesion and stabilise performances before the season slips further away.

Sources: Daily Mirror

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