Jamie Carragher has backed Jurgen Klopp to remain at Liverpool and turn their fortunes around - adding that the club ‘will never be like Chelsea.’
The Reds have endured a slow start to the new season, winning just two of their six Premier League games before a woeful 4-1 defeat at Napoli in the first round of games in the Champions League last week. The performance in Naples prompted some knee-jerk reaction, with one particular question in the post-match press conference about whether Klopp is worried for his future, following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea.
The Reds boss brushed off the query in typically blunt fashion, and former captain Carragher has backed the German to turn the club’s fortunes around, rather than be replaced by someone else.
READ MORE: Liverpool game at Chelsea in further doubt after UEFA confirm Arsenal decision
“While in Germany there was mutual sense it was time for a new adventure, there is no such feeling in Liverpool,” Carragher wrote in the Telegraph. “Klopp will be Liverpool’s manager for the next four years. That is why he signed his new deal last season.
“For all his success, there is no elite manager who has been so accomplished at picking himself off the floor after the lowest moments and there is no coach more qualified to reverse Liverpool’s poor form.
“A rebuild may be upon Klopp sooner than anticipated. Nothing in his demeanour suggests he lacks the appetite for the challenge. While Klopp is in charge Liverpool will never be like Chelsea, or other clubs who see no prospect of a coach reversing a slide.”
The Liverpool legend-turned-pundit picked apart last week’s defeat in Italy, identifying a lacklustre and disorganised midfield as one of the key reasons why Luciano Spalletti’s side could expose the high-line so often and so easily. The Reds failed to land either of their two priority midfield targets in the summer and have struggled massively with injuries to the likes of Thiago, Curtis Jones and Naby Keita.
And while Carragher echoed thoughts that the midfield is severely lacking, he once again tipped Liverpool to return to the kind of form that saw them enjoy Champions League and Premier League glory - whether that means a squad rebuild or not.
“When Klopp and his think tank convene at the AXA training centre, the injection of energy must be top of the agenda,” the pundit said. “That will prompt difficult decisions, analysing the performances of players who have given Klopp sterling service but are no longer capable of consistently executing his vision.
“Failing to reinforce midfield during the summer is the root of the problem. The club felt Aurelien Tchouameni (who opted for Real Madrid) and Jude Bellingham fit the bill. Most supporters - myself included - feel Liverpool’s track record with recruitment means they deserve trust so if they have to wait for Bellingham - as they did with Van Dijk in 2017 - so be it. Unfortunately, it looks like a mistake now because of the number of midfield injuries.”
Carragher continued: “These players, like Salah, are too good not to get back to where they were. Class is permanent. The same is true of the manager. Some say Liverpool are paying the price for the last five years. If so, it is a price every fan would willingly pay again.
“Should the next Anfield rebuild take as long as the first, Klopp will get all the support and time he needs. If this is the beginning of the end of an era at Liverpool, everything changes except the manager.”
READ NEXT
Liverpool hit by Andy Robertson injury blow as defender ruled out for Ajax
Ajax confirm squad for Liverpool Champions League fixture with one key player absent
Liverpool stance on Naby Keita future as mixed messages sent over injury
Liverpool staff delighted with rushed through transfer as £50m move pays off
