Liverpool stand on the brink of lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time in five years, but Jamie Carragher thinks they must guard against complacency this summer
Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool need to make use of the summer transfer window to give Arne Slot more players that he trusts. The Reds are about to clinch the Premier League title in Slot’s first season in charge, yet Carragher says the Dutchman doesn’t fully believe in his squad.
Liverpool need just a point from their game against Tottenham on Sunday to secure their first league title since 2019/20. It will be a huge achievement for the team, who started the campaign as outsiders after Slot succeeded Jurgen Klopp as manager and the club had a quiet summer transfer window.
Federico Chiesa was the only addition to the Liverpool side over the summer, with the club opting not to chase further arrivals after a £51million move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi collapsed. Ryan Gravenberch stepped up to ensure the failure to sign Zubimendi didn’t cost Liverpool, but they can’t afford to get complacent, according to Carragher.
He has urged sporting director Richard Hughes to get some major business done to cement their position at the top of the Premier League going into the 2025/26 campaign.
READ MORE: Crystal Palace send three-word message to Liverpool after doing Reds title favourREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher takes swipe at Arsenal set piece coach as worrying stat emerges
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, the ex-Liverpool defender outlined his argument. “If you look at Liverpool this season – this is not the manager’s squad, it is Jurgen Klopp’s,” Carragher said.
“Arne Slot doesn’t trust the squad. When people talk about Liverpool at the end of the season, their style during the winter is not the same and is not consistent like the rest of the season. Slot plays the same players every week. We don’t know if that’s his way of play, but we will probably find out next season.
“If Ibrahima Konate or Virgil van Dijk got injured, who would come in at the back really? They have Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez, who is injury prone. Liverpool need another centre-back to really push Konate. The same also applies in central midfield with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.”
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who should Liverpool sign this summer? Comment below.
While Liverpool have dominated in the league, their lack of squad depth was evident during the period which saw them knocked out of the FA Cup and Champions League and lose the Carabao Cup final.
Carragher has a different take on another obvious issue: replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold, who appears set to leave for Real Madrid. Conor Bradley has been groomed as his successor and Carragher believes he is good enough to make the step up, without the need for an expensive replacement in the transfer window.
He said: “Eventually that lad will say, ‘I’m either going to play or I’ll move on as well.’ He’s done well enough – he’s probably played 40 or 50 games for Liverpool, and he’s done enough in those games where you’d still go and buy someone, but not a right-back for £40 or £50million.
“They might go and buy someone for £25million or buy a fourth-choice centre back who can play right back, and you give him (Bradley) 12 months [as first choice].”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
