Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool’s record signing Florian Wirtz may need to be taken out of the firing line after the club’s back-to-back defeats.
Speaking on CBS’ UCL Today show following Tuesday night’s 1-0 loss to Galatasaray, the former Reds defender admitted the current team looks unbalanced.
“Right now I don’t think the balance of the team is right and the obvious one that stands out is Florian Wirtz,” Carragher said. “He’s just not at the races at all.
He’s a young boy coming into a new league, he has got plenty of time to go as a Liverpool player, but right now I think he needs to come out of the team.”
Jamie Carragher Calls For Big Decision On Wirtz After Defeat
Carragher, who made over 700 appearances for Liverpool, suggested Arne Slot may need to return to the more compact, high-energy system that won them the Premier League title last season.
“Liverpool went from a workmanlike team and have sprinkled a little bit of stardust in terms of the transfers brought in. They haven’t gained anything going forward but have lost a lot defensively.
“Liverpool should go back to what they were last season and then go from there — build some confidence, build some defensive solidity,” he added.
The Reds travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Saturday evening (October 4) looking to halt their mini-slump, with Slot now facing pressure to find a set-up that works and get Wirtz firing.
Arne Slot has explained why he left Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak on the bench for Liverpool’s Champions League meeting with Galatasaray in Istanbul on Tuesday night.
The Liverpool boss made four changes from the side that lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace at the weekend. Salah, Isak, Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley all dropped to the bench, with Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo coming into the starting XI.
Arne Slot confirmed before kick-off that Frimpong would start on the right wing in place of Salah, with Dominik Szoboszlai shifted to right-back.
“Jeremie is not playing as a right full-back, he is playing on the right wing,” Slot told Amazon Prime. “We have many games to play. In a few days there is another big game coming up.
“We have to utilise our squad. Utilising doesn’t always mean from the start. Players can come in as well. Many of our games, players have impacted the game coming off the bench.
“They were talking about the last time, Mo scored three coming off the bench against Rangers. And I know who the manager of Rangers was back then! That is my current assistant, Gio (Van Bronckhorst). But that is not the reason Mo is on the bench.
Arne Slot Explains Decision To Bench Salah And Isak For Galatasaray Game
“It is an example maybe of a luxury, of having other options.”
Slot also revealed that both Isak and Mac Allister are still being managed carefully after disrupted pre-seasons.
“It takes a bit of time for Isak,” he added. “He plays an hour, half an hour. Everyone who plays football knows the more you play together, the better it goes.
“Normally very good players need less time to adapt. If you look at our full-back position, both of them are new.
“Up front we go in and out with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. And in midfield we’ve made some changes because Mac Allister had a very poor pre-season — poor in terms of missing out on a lot of training time.
“If you then play every three days, you can’t expect Alexander or Mac Allister to be available for 90 minutes every three days.
“Alexander Isak didn’t train in pre-season. Mac Allister missed a lot of pre-season. Conor Bradley missed a lot of pre-season. Milos Kerkez is not used, at Bournemouth, to playing three times a week.
“These are all extra ingredients why we sometimes have to rotate a bit. And sometimes it’s also because we think we have players who can play games this.”
Hugo Ekitike admitted his red card “was not smart” as he spoke about missing Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.
The suspension followed two careless yellow cards in the Carabao Cup, which meant Ekitike was unavailable for the Premier League match against Crystal Palace. Arne Slot called the incident “needless” and “stupid,” highlighting how Ekitike lost control of his emotions after throwing the ball away and removing his shirt while celebrating.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League game against Galatasaray, Ekitike apologised again to his teammates.
“I think that was not smart,” he said. “I felt a bit disappointed to watch the boys from home on Saturday, but I apologised to everyone already, to all my teammates. That kind of thing won’t happen again, so I move on and I’m looking forward to playing and focusing on football.”
‘Not Smart’ – Hugo Ekitike reflects on Southampton red card
The 23-year-old is expected to start against Galatasaray in place of Alexander Isak, who featured for 84 minutes at the weekend, his longest game time since the end of last season.
On the possibility of partnering with Isak, Ekitike welcomed the idea and left tactical decisions to Slot. “I can’t see one big club playing with just one striker, so it is good that he is here,” he said.
“For my age, I still have a lot of things to improve and learn so, for me, it is good that he is here. That’s the coach to decide how he wants to play, not me, but I’ve been playing in two striker compositions and one striker, so I can do a lot of things. And if we have to play together, I can do that.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Federico Chiesa will miss Tuesday’s Champions League match at Galatasaray due to a minor injury picked up at the weekend.
Chiesa sustained a knock during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace. Although he took part in training on Monday at the AXA Training Centre, he was unable to complete the session.
Arne Slot explained that the decision to leave him out of the 21-man travelling squad was made to protect the forward ahead of a busy schedule, with a Premier League clash against Chelsea coming up shortly after.
Chiesa Misses Out On Galatasaray Match – Arne Slot Explains
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Slot said:
“He got a little niggle in the last game against Palace. He tried it today, he was on the pitch at the beginning but he couldn’t finish the session, so we decided not to take him because in a few days it’s Chelsea again.”
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has paid an emotional tribute to Matt Beard following the sudden passing of the former Reds Women boss on Saturday evening.
Beard, who was 47, enjoyed two hugely successful spells in charge of Liverpool Women. He guided the team to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014 and later returned to bring them back into the top flight as Championship winners in 2022.
Speaking to club media, Slot admitted he was left devastated by the news.
“My reaction was one of grief,” he said. “I met him last season and he not only did great things for this football club, for the women’s team, back-to-back league titles, came back when they were one division below, that tells you how much he loved the club as well.
If you hear a thing like this, I think 47 if I’m correct, that’s my age as well at the moment then you are devastated to hear.”
Slot highlighted that Beard’s legacy went beyond trophies.
Arne Slot Pays Tribute To Matt Beard
“That the person you are is always more important than what you’ve won. But in his situation, both things were combined – so successful as a manager and a great human being,” he added.
Liverpool will pay their respects to Beard at Anfield on Tuesday evening, with tributes planned before the Carabao Cup third-round tie against Southampton.
“This football club is not only the men’s team, it’s also the women’s team and he had an enormous impact on women’s football here with Liverpool,” Slot said.
“As I’ve experienced being here now for one-and-a-half years, if people are going through a difficult period, the Liverpool fans and we as a team always want to be there for the people that go through such a difficult time. That’s now the situation for his wife and his three children.”
Liverpool fans might have once been quietly irritated when Manchester United supporters celebrated the legendary “Fergie Time,” the phenomenon of Sir Alex Ferguson’s sides snatching victories deep into stoppage time.
Now, there is a new twist at Anfield. Arne Slot’s Liverpool are showing an uncanny knack for scoring decisive late goals, and supporters are already dubbing it “Arne Time.”
The Reds have begun their Premier League title defence in dramatic fashion. Four games, four wins, every single one secured with goals in the dying minutes. That pattern has added a psychological edge to their performances, leaving opponents fearful that no lead or stalemate is safe until the final whistle.
The latest example came on Wednesday night in the Champions League against Atlético Madrid. Liverpool raced into a two-goal lead inside six minutes, thanks to Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, and it looked as if the work was done. But Atlético, spurred on by Marcos Llorente, clawed back to make it 2-2. Deep into stoppage time, Virgil van Dijk rose highest to head in the winner in the 92nd minute. Once again, it was “Arne Time.”
This pattern is not a one-off. Liverpool scored in the 88th and 94th minutes to beat Bournemouth on the opening day. At Newcastle, teenager Rio Ngumoha grabbed a stunning 100th-minute winner after the team had squandered a two-goal lead. Dominik Szoboszlai’s decisive free-kick against Arsenal came just seven minutes from time. Then Salah struck against Burnley with seconds left. And now Van Dijk delivered the dramatic late winner in Europe.
Incredibly, Liverpool have already scored more 90th-minute goals this season than they managed across the entire 2024/25 campaign. They have become the first side in Premier League history to win four straight matches with winners in the final ten minutes. That is a record Ferguson himself would have admired.
The impact is about more than points. Rival supporters now groan when the board goes up for added time, knowing Slot’s team still has a chance to strike. Just as “Fergie Time” used to rattle opponents psychologically, “Arne Time” is quickly building the same aura. Teams know they must hold out not for 90 minutes, but for 95 or more.
Slot himself hinted at this ambition months ago. Back in January, he said he wanted Liverpool to become a side capable of nicking late winners when games demanded it. Now, his squad are living out that vision, with grit, patience, and a touch of good fortune when it matters most.
That does not mean Liverpool have been at their fluent best. Needing last-gasp goals in four straight games suggests they still have gears left to hit. With £125m striker Alexander Isak being carefully eased back to fitness, and new signings still finding rhythm, this Liverpool team could become even more formidable once the performances match the results.
Liverpool’s ability to grind out wins without playing sparkling football is ominous for their rivals. It shows a steel and mentality that champions need. Slot’s side may not always win pretty, but as long as “Arne Time” keeps ticking, it is hard to see anyone prising the Premier League crown or challenging their Champions League ambitions away from Anfield.
Liverpool made it four wins from four this season with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor, thanks to a stoppage-time penalty from Mo Salah.
The match was far from straightforward. Burnley were organised and resolute, keeping Liverpool’s creative players quiet for most of the game. Despite dominating possession over 80% in the first half, the Reds struggled to create clear chances against Scott Parker’s packed defence.
Robertson, coming on for the booked Milos Kerkez, added energy down the left, while Gravenberch controlled the midfield. Szoboszlai and Gakpo had efforts blocked, and Dubravka made a few important saves to keep the game level.
Liverpool increased the tempo after the break, introducing Chiesa, Ngumoha, and Frimpong. Burnley continued to defend heroically, and moments like Dubravka’s save from Frimpong highlighted the difficulty Liverpool faced. The visitors finally gained the upper hand when Lesley Ugochukwu was shown a second yellow card in the 84th minute, reducing Burnley to ten men.
Burnley 0-1 Liverpool: Salah’s Penalty Seals Late Win
The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time. Frimpong’s cross struck Hannibal Mejbri’s outstretched arm on the edge of the area, and Michael Oliver pointed to the spot. Salah stepped up and calmly converted, giving Liverpool yet another last-minute victory.
Burnley can be proud of their disciplined performance, but Liverpool’s patience, persistence, and ability to deliver in the dying minutes once again secured all three points.
Premier League leaders Liverpool travel to newly-promoted Burnley in Sunday’s opening fixture, aiming to maintain their perfect start to the season.
Arne Slot’s men have won all three of their opening matches, including a key victory over Arsenal, while Burnley have shown resilience in adjusting to life back in the top flight.
Burnley vs Liverpool – Preview
The Clarets have had a mixed start to their return to the Premier League. After tough away trips to Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, both ending in narrow defeats, Burnley managed a home victory over fellow promoted side Sunderland.
Historically, Burnley have struggled against top opposition, conceding heavily when facing reigning champions, they have lost 10 of their last 11 encounters, letting in 30 goals.
Burnley’s defensive record in the Championship last season was outstanding, with just 16 goals conceded in 46 games. However, in the first three Premier League matches, they have already allowed six goals. If they concede two or more against Liverpool, they will become just the second team in English football history to let in at least half of the previous season’s tally in their opening four games of the next campaign.
Burnley vs Liverpool: Preview, Team News & Key Stats
At home, Burnley remain unbeaten in their last 25 league matches, but they face their toughest test yet against the reigning champions, who have won eight of their last nine visits to Turf Moor, including the last six in a row.
The reigning champions remain the only team in the Premier League with a 100% record this season, having won all three of their opening matches, including a crucial victory over Arsenal. Arne Slot’s side are chasing a fourth straight win to start the campaign, a feat they have only achieved twice before, in 2018-19 and their title-winning 2019-20 season.
Liverpool are big favourites at Turf Moor, not just because of Burnley’s relative inexperience at this level, but also due to their strengthened attack following the £125m signing of Alexander Isak on transfer deadline day. The Reds have now scored in 37 consecutive Premier League matches, their best-ever streak, making it difficult to see any defence stopping them at present.
On recent trips to Turf Moor, Liverpool have been dominant, winning eight of their last nine visits, including the last six in a row. With Atletico Madrid and Everton visiting Anfield in the coming week, this fixture represents one of the easier challenges for Slot’s men, who will hope to continue their strong start to the season.
Burnley vs Liverpool – Team News
Burnley could soon welcome Jordan Beyer and Connor Roberts back from knee injuries, but this fixture may come too soon for both. Zeki Amdouni is out long-term with a serious knee injury. Hjalmar Ekdal should be fit after sustaining a minor knock while on international duty with Sweden.
Florentino Luis, Burnley’s only late addition in the transfer window on loan from Benfica, could make his debut in this game. Head coach Scott Parker said: “You’re playing against an elite, world-class team… We’re looking forward to it and we’ll give the best version of ourselves.”
Burnley vs Liverpool: Preview, Team News & Key Stats
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Liverpool’s team sheet at 12:45pm on Sunday to see whether Alexander Isak will make his full debut. The Swedish striker has only played 18 competitive minutes this season, coming off the bench for Sweden against Kosovo on Monday, so he is likely to start among the substitutes.
Arne Slot has confirmed he will manage Isak’s minutes carefully, saying:“Don’t expect him every single game 90 minutes on the pitch – that’s definitely not going to happen in the upcoming weeks. We have to build him up gradually.”
Ibrahima Konate is available after featuring for France during the international break. Jeremie Frimpong has returned to training but it’s unclear if he will be risked, though he could feature for some minutes. Curtis Jones will miss the game due to injury.
Head-to-Head & Previous Meetings
Liverpool have dominated recent meetings with Burnley, winning the last five encounters and keeping a clean sheet in each of their last four visits to Turf Moor. Overall, the two sides have faced each other 128 times in all competitions, with Liverpool claiming 61 victories, Burnley winning 38, and 29 matches ending in a draw.
Key Stats
Liverpool have played Burnley 18 times in the Premier League. Liverpool have won 14 of those (plus 2D, 2L). Of the nine that were away at Turf Moor, Liverpool have won eight.
Burnley started off with a decent record against reigning champions, winning four of their first seven such PL matches (D1 L2). Since then, though, they’ve lost 10 of their last 11, conceding 30 goals across those defeats.
Only Arsenal (55) and Tottenham Hotspur (39) have scored in more consecutive Premier League matches than the run Liverpool are currently on (37).
The last time Scott Parker faced Liverpool as manager, he led Bournemouth in a 9-0 loss in August 2022. He had, though, beaten Liverpool 1-0 in March 2021.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has been named the Barclays Manager of the Month for August after guiding the defending champions to a flawless start to the 2025/26 Premier League season.
The Dutchman oversaw three victories from three matches, leaving Liverpool as the only team with a perfect record in the opening month. Slot’s side also scored more goals than any other team in the league, finding the net eight times while navigating a challenging set of fixtures.
The campaign began with a thrilling 4-2 win over AFC Bournemouth at Anfield, followed by a dramatic 3-2 victory away at Newcastle United. The month concluded with a narrow 1-0 triumph against last season’s runners-up Arsenal at home, further establishing Liverpool as early title contenders.
This is Slot’s second Manager of the Month award, having first won it in November 2024 during his debut season in English football. He topped a four-man shortlist after votes from fans were combined with those of a panel of football experts.
Alexander Isak will not be rushed into full action for Liverpool after his record £125m move from Newcastle United, with Arne Slot making clear the striker’s fitness must be carefully managed.
The Sweden international missed the entire pre-season at St James’ Park as he forced through a move to Anfield, refusing to train after what he claimed were “broken promises” when an earlier £110m bid was rejected.
His dream switch finally went through on deadline day, but the lack of preparation has left Liverpool wary. He featured for only 18 minutes across two World Cup qualifiers during the break, and Slot says supporters will need patience as he builds up fitness.
“Don’t expect Alex to be on for 90 minutes in every game over the next few weeks,” Slot said ahead of Sunday’s trip to Burnley. “He missed a proper pre-season, three or four months of team sessions, we have to build him up gradually. With us playing so many games, hardly any training time, that’ll be a challenge.
“We haven’t signed him for not only the upcoming two weeks, but, I think, six years. That’s what we have to keep in mind. What the fans have to keep in mind, if I take him off at a certain moment, or I only bring him only for a small amount of minutes – it’s for the long-term fitness of the player. In football there’s always criticism. It’s part of his life, my life, our jobs.”
Arne Slot Gives Update On Alexander Isak’s Fitness
The Dutch Manager praised Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson for also protecting the striker: “The Swedish manager deserves a big compliment because he gets the best striker in the world but understands if he plays 90 minutes twice, he might be injured for a number of weeks. We will treat him the same as they did.”
The Liverpool head coach admitted he has barely spoken to Isak since the move, but is looking forward to working with him closely.
“Maybe you don’t believe me but I haven’t spoken to him that much. I phoned him after he signed and he had to go to Sweden but 99 per cent of the time during breaks, I leave the players for their national managers. I text him once or twice but I do have to get to know him in the upcoming days and weeks.
“We have such a great culture here at this club, so we sign players for his qualities and I know how good he is, what a quality player he is.”
