Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has issued a stark warning to manager Arne Slot, suggesting the Dutchman “doesn’t have a leg to stand on” if the Reds fail to secure Champions League football this season.
Despite being the reigning Premier League champions, Liverpool find themselves in a troubling position domestically, sitting sixth after a disappointing defeat to Bournemouth.
They now trail fourth-placed Manchester United by just two points, making the race for the top four increasingly tense.
European Form Masks Domestic Woes
Interestingly, Liverpool’s struggles in England stand in sharp contrast to their performances in Europe.
The Reds have excelled in the Champions League, defeating giants like Real Madrid and Inter Milan and currently sitting in fourth place in the group stage.
But Carragher believes this European success actually highlights a bigger issue: Slot has assembled a team that thrives in Europe but is ill-suited to the demands of the Premier League.
“The team that Arne Slot has built is a different kind of beast,” Carragher explained on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
“They’re capable of beating Real Madrid away, winning at Inter Milan, even taking Marseille down—but when it comes to the Premier League, they struggle with set pieces, long throws, and counter-attacks against low blocks.
That’s the reality of English football, and Liverpool just can’t cope with it right now.”
Champions League or Bust for Slot
Carragher’s assessment is clear: qualifying for next season’s Champions League is absolutely critical.
While fans might accept not defending the Premier League title, missing out on Europe’s top competition would be a serious failure, especially considering Liverpool’s record spending and high wage bill.
“If you don’t qualify for the Champions League after being champions, having spent £450 million, you just don’t have a leg to stand on,” Carragher said.
He added that the conversation about the manager’s future changes completely if Liverpool are at risk of missing out on Europe.
“Not winning the league is a collective responsibility. But not making the Champions League with this squad? That raises serious questions.”
Defending Slot Amid Criticism
Despite his warnings, Carragher has previously defended Slot against what he sees as unfair criticism.
Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, he said social media has amplified a level of disrespect that doesn’t match the manager’s achievements.
“Six months after winning a league title, I think it’s a little disrespectful,” Carragher remarked.
“It almost feels like some people think he hasn’t got a clue what he’s doing, which isn’t fair given what he’s achieved.”
The Road Ahead for Liverpool
For now, Liverpool must navigate a tricky stretch in the Premier League to secure their Champions League spot.
Carragher’s words underline the stakes: European qualification isn’t just about prestige—it could define the future of Slot at Anfield.
Fans will be watching closely as Liverpool balance domestic struggles with continental ambitions, hoping the Reds can prove they belong among Europe’s elite while regaining stability at home.
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