Jamie Carragher (foto: Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher slammed Arne Slot’s tactics and criticized Ibrahima Konaté after Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to PSG, calling the performance unacceptable.
Jamie Carragher did not hold back after Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
The Liverpool legend described the performance as deeply worrying, pointing to both Arne Slot’s tactical decisions and the form of key players.
PSG dominated the match from start to finish, with goals from Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, while Liverpool failed to register a single shot on target.
The defeat came just days after a heavy 4-0 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup, prompting Slot to change system and switch to a five-man defence.
According to Carragher, that decision made things worse.
"The coach tried something, but he made a tactical mistake in his approach. It's easy for me to understand now, that's our job, we're analysts and we talk after the game."
"The approach with five in defense was completely wrong, they were actually more open than with four because they played man-to-man all over the field, and the three defenders had to cover the entire width of the field," he explained.
He described the gap between the two teams as "staggering", even comparing Liverpool to a lower league side on the night.
The system also placed huge demands on Virgil van Dijk, who Carragher felt was exposed.
"Defenders were flying into midfield with no one guarding anyone and Van Dijk, at 34, had to run from one side to the other all the time and he just couldn't keep up with it."
While some have criticized Van Dijk, Carragher defended him and instead targeted his defensive partner.
"People have criticised Van Dijk's performances this season and I think he's overdoing it. He plays every game and Konate has been terrible next to him all season and tonight he was bad again."
"He makes mistakes every game, it's not easy to play with a teammate like that. I think Van Dijk was one of Liverpool's best players but tonight in this three-man defence I've never seen him feel so bad in a Liverpool shirt."
He even suggested Van Dijk would push for changes.
"I think he'll beg Arne Slot never to play in that system again, it was very difficult for him."
Despite his criticism of Liverpool, Carragher also praised the opposition.
"PSG were absolutely otherworldly. It was like watching Pep Guardiola's Barcelona."
The analysis led to a heated exchange live on air with Peter Schmeichel.
Schmeichel suggested that Liverpool had remained compact defensively, but Carragher strongly disagreed.
"You're one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Peter, but Liverpool weren't compact tonight."
Schmeichel responded: "Yeah, so I shouldn't be talking about tactics?"
Carragher replied bluntly.
"Come on, Peter, let it go, honestly. The chances they had... they were torn apart. They weren't compact; they were the opposite."
Schmeichel maintained his view.
" From here in the stadium, it didn't look like they were struggling that much when PSG had the ball outside their own box. I agree with some of your analysis on both goals, but I actually think it helped them to have so many players in defence. By the way, PSG were a tough opponent, they play good football."
The debate reflects the scale of concern around Liverpool after a performance that has raised serious questions ahead of the second leg.