‘This isn’t a top team’ Liverpool legend slams Arne Slot after Galatasaray defeat

Last Updated on 2 October 2025

Liverpool’s Champions League campaign took another hit in Istanbul as Galatasaray secured a 1-0 win, leaving pundits and fans questioning Arne Slot’s project.

Jamie Carragher didn’t hold back after the final whistle, blasting his Liverpool’s performance and criticizing the playing style as well as the defense.

‘Liverpool are playing basketball, not football’ rants Jamie Carragher

Carragher described Slot’s side of being far too open and chaotic.

“This isn’t how top teams play football,” he said. “It feels like I’m watching basketball; up and down, end to end, but no control. That’s not Liverpool, and that’s not how you win at this level.”

The defeat, coming off the back of inconsistent performances, has raised concerns over whether Slot’s system leaves Liverpool vulnerable defensively.

“There’s a few problems there that he has got to fix and it’ll be really interesting how he goes about it because he’s spent a lot of money.”

Carragher also highlighted deeper problems: lapses from Ibrahima Konate, exposed full-backs, and a midfield struggling to offer protection. Mohamed Salah’s inconsistency has also added to Liverpool’s attacking frustrations.

He added, “Liverpool got battered by Newcastle in the second half of that game. Newcastle had 10 men. That can’t happen. Crystal Palace created seven big chances at the weekend. That’s more than any team has conceded in the Premier League all season.”

With Chelsea looming on the weekend, Slot is under mounting pressure to “earn his money,” as Carragher put it, and restore structure before the season derails. Even though, the hierarchy at Liverpool are ready to give him ample time, as per The Times.

Arne Slot faces first real test of his Anfield tenure

Arne Slot made an immediate impact when he arrived at Anfield, guiding Liverpool to a league title in his first season. It was no easy feat given he was stepping into the shoes of Jurgen Klopp.

But while that campaign was largely played with the squad Klopp left behind, this year feels very different. A host of departures and new arrivals have transformed the side, making 2025/26 a genuine transition season.

For many, this is Slot’s biggest test so far. The Dutchman must prove he can rebuild, integrate fresh signings, and maintain Liverpool’s status as a force in Europe.

Big money signings like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak haven’t hit the ground running. So Slot needs to find a system that accomdates those two along with Mohamed Salah, the undisputed MVP from last season.

As a result, Slot’s management of this new-look squad will go a long way in defining his long-term legacy at Anfield.