Jamie Carragher has delivered a brutal verdict on Liverpool’s defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League.
The Reds lost 5-2 at Anfield in their last-16 first leg on Tuesday night. It leaves Jurgen Klopp’s side with a mountain to climb going into the reverse fixture in the Spanish capital on March 15.
Liverpool went 2-0 up thanks to goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah. But Madrid got back into the game before half-time with a brace from Vinicius Jr.
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Eder Militao then scored after the break to put Madrid in front, before Karim Benzema bagged two goals to almost take the tie away from Liverpool. It’s the first time that the Reds have conceded five goals at Anfield in the Champions League era.
“First of all, I must say what a performance by Real Madrid, to come to Anfield and do that,” Carragher told CBS Sports.
“I’ve never seen a team come to Anfield on a European night that I can remember, that I’ve seen or was involved in, perform like that, and destroy Liverpool like that.
“That was shambolic from Liverpool. Embarrassing.
“We’ve made excuses for them all season, the reasons why they ‘re not doing as well as in previous seasons.
“That was a disgrace that second half. To not even have a chance themselves, show any real fight after the goals go in.
“And to lose that second half 3-0, they were attacking the Kop [and] it was 2-2 in a knockout game. Absolutely shambolic from Liverpool.
“What I’m talking about in terms of shambolic, I’m talking about defensively shambolic all season.”
Carragher went on to elaborate on his views on Liverpool’s form this season, following on from the defeat to Madrid. In his criticism he aimed a dig at Reds defender Virgil van Dijk.
“Liverpool all season have been an absolute shambles defensively," he said. "This team had a great defensive record last year.
“We know the midfield doesn't have the energy anymore, the attacking players don’t press or have the cohesion as before, so Nunez and Gakpo are new to it.
“So this Liverpool defence now, who we’ve been told for years have some of the best players in the world, can’t cope.
“For years they’ve had a front six in front of them that have worked harder and smarter than any other team in world football, and now that’s gone it’s completely fallen apart.”
Carragher added: “Liverpool are eighth in the Premier League, they’ve just been battered 5-2 in the Champions League. I know it’s Real Madrid, but these were the two teams that were in the final last year.
“It’s not acceptable what we are watching this season. And we keep looking for reasons or excuses, but it’s nowhere near good enough.
“Defensively, and I’m not that horrible, but Virgil van Dijk said I wouldn’t get in that back four about two months ago. I think I'd take his place at the moment,” Carragher added, with a wry smile.
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