Jamie Carragher has launched a scathing criticism of Liverpool’s pre-season play under new manager Andoni Iraola, criticizing the Reds’ “game of basketball”.
Liverpool kick off their season on Sunday when they travel to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United.
Given the turmoil the Magpies have seen this summer, the Reds will be favorites to win on what is likely to be an emotional day, with the match preceded by tributes to Newcastle and Liverpool legend Kevin Keegan, who died last month aged 75.
However, Carragher sees cause for concern after the Reds’ pre-season, with Iraola’s side scoring nine goals and conceding nine during friendlies.
Iraola was brought in to replace Arne Slott, who was relieved of his duties after two seasons in charge. Slot led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season, but they declined significantly last season, falling to fifth place amid widespread criticism of the style of play under the Dutch coach.
Carragher criticizes Liverpool’s style of “basketball”.
The success enjoyed by Iraola during his time at Bournemouth, who finished sixth last season, came in large part due to the intensity with which his team played.
It is this kind of football that will attract Liverpool’s hierarchy to the Spaniard, but former Reds centre-back Carragher is concerned about the over-emphasis on attacking players.
“Liverpool will be interesting this season,” Carragher said during his appearance on the channel. Overlapping fan discussion.
“I’m interested to see how things go, what players they get and how the season goes.
“Liverpool have too many attacking players on the pitch, they just want to bomb forward. It’s the same in pre-season at Liverpool this season – it’s just a basketball game. There’s no top team that plays football like that. I can’t believe it.”
However, Carragher does not believe fans will turn on Iraola if his playing style, which is similar to the one used by Jurgen Klopp during his legendary time at the club, fails to produce results.
Carragher added: “One of the reasons we brought Airola to Liverpool is because he plays club football – not because he has won a lot of titles, and not because he coaches big clubs – because he presses, they are active. This is the football we want.”
“We’re almost at a stage now at Liverpool where the blame will be put on the players – the fans want high-energy football, we have a manager who has brought that, so if you don’t do that, the responsibility will fall on you. So, no, it won’t be on Airola.”
