Jamie Carragher has called on Liverpool head coach Arne Slot to make a big decision relating to Florian Wirtz after the Premier League side’s 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in Istanbul on Tuesday.
Slot’s side struggled to positively impact the Champions League league phase fixture in Istanbul and fell to a defeat after Dominik Szoboszlai was adjudged to have fouled Baris Alper Yilmaz on 14 minutes before Gala forward Victor Osimhen slotted past Alisson, who later went off injured, from the penalty spot.
The defeat marked Liverpool’s second consecutive loss, having tasted defeat against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last weekend.
In Turkey, Slot left Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Alexis Mac Allister out of the starting XI with Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike starting the match.
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Liverpool lacked tenacity in attack, despite having 16 shots, with just four on target.
Salah and Isak were both introduced with around 30 minutes left, but neither made a difference.
As for Wirtz, he has yet to provide a single goal or assist in nine appearances since his £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen in June and former Reds centre-back Carragher has suggested that Slot makes a huge change to his side.
Speaking on CBS Sports, Carragher, who won the Champions League in 2005, claimed that Liverpool are not “a top team” despite spending £446 million in the summer transfer window.
"They obviously have a fantastic manager,” Carragher told CBS Sports.
“Liverpool last season were a top team, but also a workman-like team, which they've sprinkled a bit of stardust on in terms of the transfers they have brought in.
"And they haven't gained anything going forward, but they've lost a lot defensively."
The 47-year-old then added that Slot has to “earn his money” by fixing what he described as “problems” in the side before homing in on Wirtz, who Carragher claimed is “not at the races at all” despite his hefty price tag.
“He [Wirtz] needs to come out of the team,” Carragher said.
“Liverpool go back to what they were last season, and try to build some confidence and some stability. Right now, it looks like a mess."
Following his side’s disappointing performance, Slot offered his thoughts on Wirtz’s performance and stressed how he thought the Germany international “was involved in chances” despite being unable to unlock the home side’s defence.
Liverpool return to Premier League action against Chelsea on Saturday.
Topics: Liverpool, Arne Slot, Florian Wirtz, Jamie Carragher, Premier League, Football, Champions League
Luke Davies