Liverpool’s hopes of returning to the Champions League took another major hit following their dramatic 2–1 defeat to Manchester City at Anfield — and Jamie Carragher is no longer optimistic.

Speaking after the loss, the former Reds defender delivered a brutal assessment, suggesting Liverpool are unlikely to finish in the Premier League’s Champions League qualification places this season. In his view, recurring errors from senior players have left Arne Slot’s side paying a heavy price.

After lifting the Premier League title last season, expectations were sky-high for Slot’s first full campaign. Instead, Liverpool’s title defence has unravelled far earlier than expected, with focus now shifting to merely securing a top-five finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition.

But that task is starting to look increasingly difficult.

Liverpool Slip Further Behind in the Race 🚨

The defeat to Manchester City leaves Liverpool sitting sixth in the table, level on points with Brentford and four points adrift of Chelsea in fifth place, with just 13 league games remaining. Carragher did not hide his disappointment, describing the Anfield performance as another worrying setback.

Despite Dominik Szoboszlai giving Liverpool the lead after the break, the match swung dramatically late on. Goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland turned the contest on its head, before Szoboszlai’s evening went from hero to horror as he was sent off in stoppage time.

“Right Now, I Don’t See It” — Carragher’s Verdict 🎙️

Asked on Sky Sports whether he believes Liverpool can still reach the Champions League places, Carragher was blunt:

He admitted that a dramatic improvement in form would be required, especially with the teams above Liverpool currently building momentum. The gap, while not impossible to close, is beginning to feel significant.

Carragher added that Liverpool may now need strong cup runs to salvage their season, warning that relying solely on league form looks increasingly risky.

Squad Issues and Injury Concerns Mount 😟

The pundit also highlighted Liverpool’s growing selection problems ahead of their midweek trip to Sunderland. Szoboszlai’s suspension, combined with injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong — plus doubts over Joe Gomez’s fitness — has left the right-back position dangerously thin.

According to Carragher, this lack of depth could easily result in more dropped points.

Van Dijk and Alisson Under Fire 🧤🛑

Carragher was particularly critical of two senior figures: Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker.

He pointed to a pattern of uncharacteristic mistakes that have defined Liverpool’s season. Van Dijk’s recent error against Bournemouth and Alisson’s costly decision that led to a penalty against Manchester City were cited as examples of lapses that simply shouldn’t happen at this level.

For Carragher, these moments sum up Liverpool’s instability.

Bigger Problems Still to Solve 🔍

Beyond individual errors, Carragher questioned Liverpool’s attacking balance and overall control in matches. He believes Arne Slot still has tough decisions to make regarding his front line, stressing that the team often looks stretched, chaotic, and vulnerable in transition.

His conclusion was stark: unless something changes quickly, Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions could slip away entirely.

Liverpool may still be in the fight — but for Carragher, the warning signs are flashing bright red 🚨⚽