Jamie Carragher gives worrying half-time verdict in Liverpool’s loss to Brentford
Liverpool should have learned from their mistakes against Leicester and known that there is no Wout Faes in Brentford who could gift a win to Liverpool. There was so much to learn from the game, but apparently, it wasn’t a one-off; the Reds are seriously out of form.
It is disappointing to look at the bench strength of Liverpool for a top-four side in the league. And FSG cannot expect more from manager Jurgen Klopp given the number (or the lack) of signings in a hugely important area of the pitch – midfield.
Liverpool conceded two goals from set pieces today. The first one brushed off Ibrahima Konate’s leg and the Reds saw themselves chasing the game as early as the 20th minute. Yoane Wissa scored from a corner as well, controlling the ball before slotting it behind Alisson.
2-0 at the break, the Reds were certainly in for a long night, and Jamie Carragher spoke to Sky Sports about how the Reds have lost their earlier identity of an intensity-driven counter-attacking side which thrives on pressing their opponents to the T. Here is what he said via Liverpool Echo:
“This is a team, let’s not forget, that pride themselves on saying intensity is our identity.”
“They can’t cope with that anymore at this moment. It looks like an ageing team coming to the end, at that was absolutely shambolic that first half.”
Shambolic Performance from the Reds
The basic pre-requisites for a pressing team driven by intensity is high stamina which is certain with younger players. Neither the owners want to invest in the squad to buy younger players, nor does Klopp want to do with whatever he has on the bench.
Even though our bench is not arguably at the same level as that of our rivals, as professional footballers, they should be capable of doing much better than what they did. No introduction of Fabio Carvalho, Curtis Jones was inducted with so little to go, making a difference from that point onwards would have been the biggest of asks anyone would have made of Jones.
The pressing era of Liverpool is for sure drawing towards an end in case the owners do not act up and invest money into the club. Jurgen Klopp also should make most of his available bench, which arguably he didn’t and the players are capable of much more than this.
Even though there is a lot to say about the performance on the day, most problems which resulted in Liverpool eventually losing the game are the generic issues that we are talking about ever since the Big Bang. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s goal gave a bit of a relief, but Bryan Mbeumo’s late goal meant that the trip to London cost the Reds three points.
The author for one, cannot wait for Cody Gakpo to start games for the Reds on the left flank as the void left behind by Sadio Mane is deeply felt. Moreover, injuries to Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota do not help and hopefully, we actually learn from this game and make a better case for ourselves in the future.
More Liverpool News
- Frank de Boer reveals the best position for Liverpool’s new boy Cody Gakpo
- Newcastle United have entered the race for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo amidst Liverpool’s interest
- Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp says Cody Gakpo’s arrival will not impact Roberto Firmino’s contract situation
Next up, Wolves (H) in the FA Cup and the Reds can have a close look at Matheus Nunes who stands re-linked with the Reds. If possible, he should be brought on tomorrow morning at 8 AM to tackle the irritating performances Liverpool have had on show so far, mainly due to their midfield.
