Liverpool's recent struggles have been a topic of concern, with Jamie Carragher pointing fingers at the players for their poor performances. The Reds suffered another setback with a 4-1 defeat to PSV in the Champions
League at Anfield. This loss marks Liverpool's ninth defeat in their last 12 matches across all competitions, their worst run since the 1953-54 season when they faced relegation.
Despite acknowledging Arne Slot's challenges, Carragher believes it's time for Liverpool's players to take responsibility. He expressed concerns about Mohamed Salah, suggesting that the 33-year-old might be past his prime. "Liverpool's not a sacking club," Carragher stated on CBS Sports. "The manager is the king, and the manager gets time. " He added that while he supports sticking with the manager, there comes a point when change becomes inevitable.
According to Carragher, Liverpool's initial success under Jurgen Klopp was driven by key players like Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, and Salah. However, injuries have limited Alisson's appearances, and both Van Dijk and Salah seem to have lost their previous form. "I don't like criticising them," Carragher admitted, acknowledging their legendary status but noting that age might be catching up with them.
Salah's performance has notably declined this season. Last year, he had an impressive 57 goal involvements across Europe's top five leagues. In contrast, this season he has only managed eight contributions—five goals and three assists. His statistics per 90 minutes are also lower than any other period during his time at Liverpool.
Leadership on the field is crucial during tough times, according to Carragher. He urged Salah to communicate with fans about efforts being made to improve team performance and morale. "You always look for leaders in your team to step up when things are not going well," he said.
Carragher also highlighted the need for other players to rise to the occasion instead of relying solely on stars like Salah and Van Dijk. "Can you only play well when they play well?" he questioned, emphasising that current performances are unacceptable for a club like Liverpool.
Future Implications
This challenging period could offer a glimpse into Liverpool's future without key figures like Salah, Van Dijk, and Alisson. The team's reliance on these players underscores the importance of developing new leaders who can maintain high standards even as seasoned players move on.
As Liverpool navigates this difficult phase, it remains essential for both management and players to work together in addressing issues on and off the pitch. The focus should be on rebuilding confidence and ensuring consistent performances moving forward.
