Arsenal hero Thierry Henry couldn’t resist taking a dig at Liverpool Champion’s League issue

Thierry Henry could not resist taking a dig at Jamie Carragher over the absence of Liverpool from the Champions League

Arsenal star Thierry Henry mocked former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher after Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League this season.

Liverpool returns to Europa League action on Thursday night, when Atalanta visits Anfield for the opening leg of the quarter-finals. The Reds are favourites to win the competition this season, as well as the one trophy that Jurgen Klopp has yet to win during his tenure.

But prior to the match, Arsenal star Thierry Henry mocked Jamie Carragher over Liverpool’s absence from Europe’s best competition, the Champions League.

Henry’s take on Carragher

The two were once again featured on CBS Sports’ coverage of this week’s quarterfinals. Following dramatic draws for Arsenal and Manchester City on Tuesday, Barcelona and PSG played a five-goal classic on Wednesday, while Atlético Madrid edged Borussia Dortmund.

Speaking after those matches, Carragher said:

“The Champions League is better than any other level of football, even the World Cup or European Championships. This is the best players, at their best with their clubs, and the competition is back.”

And fellow commentator Henry couldn’t resist making a jab at the Liverpool icon as he jumped in, saying:

“It’s actually better when Liverpool is not in the Champions League. He behaves, he’s a bit more relaxed, there’s less screaming.”

Carragher promptly responded, saying that CBS also broadcasts the Europa League when Liverpool faces Atalanta. Kate Abdo then asked the former defender whether he wanted to be a commentator for the Europa League, to which Carragher responded, “I’ll do the final.”

Carragher and Henry, along with fellow CBS commentators Micah Richards and Peter Schmeichel, have all predicted who would win the Champions League this season.

Carragher believes Manchester City can win the trophy again after drawing 3-3 with Real Madrid in the thrilling first leg of their quarterfinal. Valverde’s 79th-minute goal helped the La Liga stars escape with a draw.

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The Reds may not be in the Champions League this season, but they have been a dominant force in Europe over the last decade. Klopp’s side has reached the finals in three of the last six seasons and will be aiming for the top spot again next season. For the time being, winning the Europa League will suffice.