‘There is a long road ahead’ — Liverpool legend questions Reds’ Champions League credentials

Liverpool’s season has taken another worrying turn after their 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, leaving serious doubts around their push for Champions League football.

Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher did not hold back in his assessment, warning that the current trajectory leaves Arne Slot’s side facing a difficult battle to reach the top five.

The loss to City left Liverpool sitting sixth in the table, level on points with Brentford and four points behind fifth-placed Chelsea with 13 games remaining.

After winning the title last season, expectations were high, but their defence of the crown has fallen apart, forcing them to switch focus toward simply securing Champions League qualification.

Carragher was blunt when asked if Liverpool would make it. “No. Right now I don't [think they can make it]. They would have to have a huge upturn in form. And the ones above them are in great form.”

He also stressed how damaging the City defeat could be in the bigger picture. “It's a bad one. When you look at the league for Liverpool, it looks like a long way to get into the top five Champions League positions. There's a gap now.”

Carragher added that cup competitions may now become Liverpool’s best route to saving their season if league form does not improve quickly.

Carragher pointed to repeated individual errors as a key reason Liverpool are struggling. He criticised mistakes from senior players, saying: “A lot of Liverpool's season is about mistakes you cannot believe from players of that calibre.”

He referenced Virgil van Dijk’s error against Bournemouth and Alisson’s costly rush that led to City’s penalty, adding: “You can't believe a goalkeeper of his calibre makes the decision to do that.”

Injuries and suspensions are also creating problems, especially with Dominik Szoboszlai suspended and defensive options limited.

Carragher also questioned the attack and squad balance, concluding: “The make-up of this squad and team isn't right… There is a long road ahead for Liverpool to make the Champions League places.”