Jamie Carragher heavily criticises Liverpool’s ‘unacceptable’ poor form
Liverpool have slipped out of the title race in dramatic fashion and now face a fight to finish in the top four
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Your support makes all the difference.Jamie Carragher was heavily critical of Liverpool’s poor form as the pundit analysed his former club on Monday night, describing recent home performances in particular as “unacceptable”.
Liverpool have slipped out of the title race in dramatic fashion, sliding to sixth place after four league defeats in a row, and the champions’ alarming slump is facing increased scrutiny.
“I was very critical of Liverpool on commentary in the derby game and I seemed to upset a section of supporters,” Carragher said, speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football show. “I have analysed this Liverpool team for three years under their best with Klopp and I come off shows like this and other fans say Carra is biased for Liverpool.
“Premier League champions, European Cup winners and best team in the world. There is nothing negative to say. But now, there is. If I have upset Liverpool fans I don’t want to apologise. What this team has done is amazing, we love them, but it doesn’t mean they are exempt from criticism.”
Carragher acknowledged the injury troubles the team have endured, especially at centre-back where first-choice defenders Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez have been long-term injuries and stand-ins Joel Matip, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have all struggled with knocks too. But he said there is no excuse for the dire downturn in form.
• Read more: Full Premier League table
• Read more: Neville reacts to Everton defeat
“The problems Liverpool have, centre-backs out, midfielders at centre-back, doesn’t mean they can't win home games against Everton, Brighton, Burnley, West Brom. It’s not an excuse for individual games. No matter what problems you have as a Liverpool player, you can’t not win at home for six games. That’s not acceptable.
“They have to find a way to win. I don’t want to use Virgil van Dijk as an excuse because Liverpool started the game against Everton with 10 Champions League winners. That is why it is not an excuse in individual games. There could be a tweaking in the system, a 4-2-3-1, an extra attacking player in.
“Defensively, could they put the defence 10 yards further back? [Ozan] Kabak is struggling, [Ben] Davies is coming in, [Nat] Phillips is going to play and they need more protection.”
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