Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has delivered a scathing critique of Arne Slot’s management, demanding a significant overhaul of the team, with Florian Wirtz singled out as a key area of concern. Following back-to-back defeats against Galatasaray (1-0) and Crystal Palace, Carragher argued that the current team balance is fundamentally flawed and that Wirtz’s inclusion is detrimental. Carragher’s comments, made on CBS Sports, highlight a growing frustration with Liverpool’s performances and a desire for a return to the team’s dominant form from last season. He believes Wirtz, a £116 million summer signing, is not performing at the level expected of a key player and should be removed from the starting XI. Carragher emphasized the need for Liverpool to revert to a more defensively solid approach, building confidence and stability before progressing. He stated, "Right now I don’t think the balance of the team is right and the obvious one that stands out is Florian Wirtz. He’s just not at the races at all."

The retired England international criticized Liverpool’s style of play, describing it as "basketball" – a chaotic, end-to-end game that he feels is unsuitable for a top-tier team. Carragher felt the club’s summer transfer strategy, which he described as "sprinkled a little bit of stardust" on a "workmanlike" side, had backfired, leading to defensive vulnerabilities despite a lack of forward gains. He asserted, "This has been coming. This is not a shock."

Carragher’s comments reflect a belief that Slot, accustomed to a smooth ride last season, needs to "really earn his money" by addressing the team’s current shortcomings. The criticism extends beyond Wirtz, encompassing a broader assessment of Liverpool’s tactical approach and the impact of the schedule. Slot, in response to the defeat, attributed the penalty conceded to Dominik Szoboszlai as a result of Galatasaray’s tactical intelligence, stating they "made a 20% penalty a 100% penalty." He acknowledged the team’s struggles and the small margins that separate success from failure, particularly noting the difficulty of gaining momentum against a well-organized opponent like Galatasaray. Slot highlighted the demanding schedule as a contributing factor to the team’s inconsistent performance, emphasizing that the team’s struggles are a normal part of the season’s challenges. He further pointed out the impact of Galatasaray’s tactics, including the striker frequently going down to disrupt Liverpool’s play. Ultimately, Slot acknowledged the need for improvement and recognized that the team’s current form is not representative of their capabilities. The defeat against Galatasaray underscored the importance of defensive solidity and tactical awareness, areas where Liverpool appear to be lacking under Slot’s guidance, prompting Carragher’s forceful call for change and a return to a more dependable and effective strategy. "

The immediate focus for Liverpool will undoubtedly be on addressing these vulnerabilities and restoring confidence before facing a challenging fixture against Chelsea away. "