Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes Arne Slot isn’t the only person to blame for the Reds difficult season and has raised a point many people seem to have overlooked.
After looking like the perfect replacement for Jurgen Klopp by winning the Premier League title in his debut season, Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been suffering from second-season syndrome this time around.
Despite beginning their title defence with five straight wins, Liverpool’s form has nosedived since. As a result, the Reds Champions League place is under real jeopardy.
Heavy home defeats to Nottingham Forest and PSV earlier in the season saw Slot’s position as Liverpool manager come under question for the first time since replacing Klopp.
With Liverpool currently languishing in sixth place, many are still questioning whether Slot’s first-season success was merely a fluke.
However, speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, former Red Jamie Carragher has defended the Dutchman’s performance this season. He urged fans to remain patient despite a disappointing campaign so far.
Carragher defends Slot amid Liverpool’s struggles
During the latest episode of the fan-led platform, the host asked Carragher to explain Liverpool’s poor performances this season.
Carragher immediately leapt to Slot’s defense, even as frustration grew among fans over the team’s lack of progress.
Carragher said, “Obviously, you get judged on results, but he’ll be such a better manager next season on the back of this season, in some ways. I don’t think it’s all his fault.”
The real issue at Liverpool
The former Liverpool defender instead pointed fingers elsewhere. He believes few managers in world football could deal with Liverpool’s issues better than Slot.
“I think anyone now managing with this squad, with Salah and Van Dijk not quite being the same players as last season…the squad’s not that big. It’s not well-balanced. I’m not sure there would be a manager out there getting loads more out of it, if I’m being totally honest”, Carragher said.
In defending Slot, the former centre-back raised an important point that many fans may have overlooked this season.
The fact remains that many Liverpool players have failed to reach the high-standards set last season.
Whilst Carragher name-dropped Mo Salah and Virgil Van Dijk for poor performances, the pundit could have named any Liverpool player. Alexis Mac Allister is another key player who has looked a shadow of himself this season.
With the exception of Dominik Szoboszlai, few players will be able to head into next season with their heads held high.
Any other manager would struggle at Liverpool right now
Slot’s tactical stubbornness and attitude in the media recently certainly haven’t helped his cause. Still, the fact remains that individuals haven’t stepped up in key moments of the season.
Although the players are owed some slack themselves after having to deal with the tragic loss of Diogo Jota in pre-season.
However, considering the Liverpool boss has had to manage the tragedy all whilst integrating a plethora of new signings, Carragher may be right to say few would be able to deal with the Reds’ problems as well as Slot.
Softens stance on Arne Slot
Carragher was on duty for Liverpool’s first game of the season, as the Reds kicked off their title defence with a thrilling 4-2 win over Bournemouth back in August.
It may feel like a lifetime ago now. Still, it was there that Carragher first raised question marks over Arne Slot’s tactical approach.
After seeing the Reds throw away a comfortable 2-0 lead to Andoni Iraola’s men, Carragher told Slot that the Dutchman’s wide-open approach “worried” him.
Now, having seen Liverpool struggle to reach the heights of last season, it seems the pundit’s attitude towards Slot has softened.
Carragher has now admitted the Dutchman has had a lot to contend with in his second year as manager.
