Liverpool’s Premier League Collapse: Carragher Questions Physical Strength, Slot Under Pressure
Story: written by Joseph Okafor October 27,2025
Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has strongly criticised the team’s physical weakness and lack of height, claiming these issues are a major factor behind their disappointing Premier League campaign.
The defending champions suffered their fourth straight league defeat on Saturday in a 3-2 loss to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, with the opening goal conceded from a simple long throw. The result leaves Arne Slot under mounting scrutiny as pressure intensifies around his management.
Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, said the club’s investment in the summer heightens the severity of the situation. He stressed that patience may soon wear thin if Liverpool do not quickly improve performances.
“Losing four in a row would be considered disastrous for Brentford. For the champions to do that after spending heavily means this is crisis time,” he argued. “Serious questions will be raised among the players, coaching staff, and the hierarchy. There must be higher returns based on what has been spent. Liverpool must address the lack of physicality and height because they simply do not have enough right now.”
Liverpool spent more than £400 million on new additions during the transfer window, yet they sit seventh in the league with just 15 points from nine matches, already trailing leaders Arsenal by seven points.
Slot’s Transfer Plan Under the Microscope
Before arriving at Anfield, Slot admired Paris Saint-Germain’s tactical structure, particularly their dynamic use of full-backs and midfielders. His signings, including Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, reflect this preference. However, critics suggest that recruitment failed to account for the Premier League’s heavy emphasis on physical duels and aerial strength.
The less physically demanding Ligue 1 does not expose defenders in the same way, and opposing sides have repeatedly targeted Liverpool’s flanks with success this season. Some analysts believe Slot should have mirrored Mikel Arteta’s strategy at Arsenal, prioritising strong, aggressive, and dominant athletes.
Could Liverpool Dismiss Arne Slot if Results Decline Further?
While calling for a managerial change may appear early, Liverpool’s results have deteriorated alarmingly. The squad lacks cohesion, pressing intensity has dropped, and the team continues to concede from avoidable situations.
Liverpool’s next run of fixtures appears daunting, with matches against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City looming. Failure to secure positive results in this stretch could bring Slot’s short-term future into serious question.
The next month will likely determine whether Arne Slot remains the right leader to guide Liverpool out of what Carragher has labelled a critical moment for the club.
