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.
Liverpool reached the Carabao Cup fourth round thanks to a late winner from Hugo Ekitike, despite finishing the match with ten men, after Alexander Isak opened the scoring for the Reds.
Before kick-off, Liverpool paid tribute to former women’s manager Matt Beard, who passed away at the age of 47. A minute’s silence was impeccably observed, with players and fans honouring his contribution to the club.
Isak scored his first goal for Liverpool in the 44th minute after Federico Chiesa intercepted a sloppy pass from Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and fed the ball to the Sweden striker, who calmly slotted it home.
Liverpool 2-1 Southampton: Ten-Man Reds Beat Saints as Isak Scores First Goal
Southampton fought back and equalised in the 76th minute when Wataru Endo’s back-header fell to Shea Charles, who made no mistake in finding the net.
Liverpool regained the lead soon after when Chiesa raced onto a loose ball and squared it to Ekitike, who finished from close range. However, the French striker had already been booked earlier in the second half and was shown a second yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration, forcing Liverpool to see out the final minutes with ten men. Ekitike will miss Saturday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace.
Liverpool 2-1 Southampton: Ten-Man Reds Beat Saints as Isak Scores First Goal
Manager Arne Slot made 11 changes from the side that beat Everton, giving many young and fringe players an opportunity. Chiesa impressed with his energy, creating both goals and nearly scoring himself before being ruled offside for a clever finish inside the box.
Liverpool now turn their attention to the Premier League, traveling to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Saturday, 27 September (15:00 BST).
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 claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Everton at Anfield to make it five wins from five in the Premier League this season.
The Reds started strongly, looking sharp from the first whistle. Mohamed Salah threaded a clever chipped pass to Ryan Gravenberch, who volleyed it into the net to give Liverpool the lead. The goal was a perfect example of two world-class players making the difficult look easy.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton: Nervy Reds Cling On For Victory In Nail-Biting Derby
Liverpool quickly doubled their advantage as Hugo Ekitike continued his fine start at Anfield. Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister combined to release the French striker, who calmly slotted the ball past Jordan Pickford. At 2-0, it looked like smooth sailing for the champions.
Everton, however, refused to lie down. Idrissa Gueye pulled one back in the 58th minute, finishing a teasing Jack Grealish cross into the back of the net. The visitors pressed for an equaliser as Liverpool struggled to maintain the intensity that had carried them through the first half.
Arne Slot responded with tactical changes, introducing Curtis Jones, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Isak to shore up midfield and keep Everton at bay. The Reds weathered late pressure, with Kerkez and Van Dijk making key defensive interventions to preserve the lead.
In the end, Liverpool held on for a 2-1 win, continuing their early-season momentum. Another Merseyside Derby victory keeps the perfect start intact, with Ekitike and Gravenberch again standing out and the team showing resilience under pressure.
Anfield hosts the 247th Merseyside Derby on Saturday lunchtime, with Premier League leaders Liverpool looking to extend their perfect start against rivals Everton.
Arne Slot’s men have won four from four in the league and arrive fresh from a dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, sealed by Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header.
British-record signing Alexander Isak made his debut in midweek and could be set for his first taste of derby action, while Everton travel across Stanley Park in sixth place after a strong start under David Moyes, boosted by Jack Grealish’s early impact on loan from Manchester City
Liverpool vs Everton – Preview
Liverpool have made a habit of leaving things late. All four of their league wins so far have been sealed after the 83rd minute, and that trend carried into Europe in midweek. Goals from Andrew Robertson and Mohamed Salah were cancelled out by Marcos Llorente’s brace, but captain Virgil van Dijk rose highest in stoppage time to nod home a 92nd-minute winner against Atletico Madrid.
That late drama has become a trademark. Liverpool have scored four of the 4 Premier League goals after the 90th minute this season, including Salah’s 95th-minute penalty at Burnley last weekend.
It has carried them to the top of the table with 12 points and Anfield has been a fortress in this fixture too, with just one Everton win here in the last 28 visits.
Meanwhile, David Moyes has quickly lifted Everton after their opening-day defeat at Leeds. Wins over Brighton and Wolves were followed by a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa, where the Toffees fired 20 shots but lacked a cutting edge. Manchester City loanee, Jack Grealish has added flair to the attack, while a strong back line has already produced four clean sheets in five games across all competitions.
The challenge for Everton is turning resilience into results at Anfield. They have only two wins from the last 29 Premier League derbies, and Moyes himself has never claimed victory here in 20 league attempts. Still, with six away wins already in 2025, as many as they managed in the previous 30 games combined the Toffees travel with more belief than in recent years.
Liverpool vs Everton – Team News
Arne Slot has close to a full Liverpool squad available for the derby. Curtis Jones returned to training on Friday and is back in contention after missing the last two games.
Alexander Isak, who made his debut against Atletico Madrid, is also in line to feature but will be managed carefully. Slot admitted the striker felt the effects of his 60 minutes on Wednesday: “Alex did feel his body more maybe than ever before after the 60 minutes he played, so let’s see how he’s recovered today and then we’re going to think about the line-up.”
Liverpool vs Everton: Premier League Preview, Team News, Key Stats
Everton’s main concerns are in defence. Jarrad Branthwaite is yet to play this season with a hamstring issue, while Vitalii Mykolenko suffered a setback on international duty. David Moyes gave a cautious update: “They’re making progress and we’ll see. We’ve got a couple of other knocks within the camp but we’ll see how they are.”
If Mykolenko is unavailable, James Garner could again fill in at left-back. Moyes was full of praise for the England international: “Jimmy is playing as well as any player at the moment. He’s had to play a few games at left-back and I have to say, he’s done a really good job there as well.”
Head-to-Head & Previous Meetings
Saturday’s clash will be the 247th competitive meeting between Liverpool and Everton. The Reds hold the upper hand in this historic rivalry with 95 wins, compared to 63 for the Toffees, while 75 matches have ended in draws.
The last Merseyside derby came in April at Anfield, where late Diogo Jota struck late to seal a 1-0 win for Liverpool.
Liverpool vs Everton: What the managers are saying
“When we faced them last season they had a very good spell as well – and it wasn’t a spell because they just kept on going with that and into this season again also. I think they’ve made some good signings and one of them is of course a player on loan who was worth £100m in the past, someone paid £100m for him and he is doing so well for them, Jack Grealish. So, a good team.”
“This has always been an incredibly difficult fixture for me because I’ve always come up against really good Liverpool teams. I think it’s easier if you’re the team that has the stronger squad, but we’re up against it so we have to go there and fight for everything.”
Key Stats
This will be the 213th top-flight meeting between Liverpool and Everton, making it the second-most-played fixture in English top-flight history.
Liverpool have lost just one of their last 28 home games against Everton in all competitions (17 wins, 10 draws).
The Reds are unbeaten in their last 19 Premier League games at Anfield (15 wins, four draws).
Merseyside derbies have produced 25 red cards in the Premier League, more than any other fixture.
Mohamed Salah has scored eight goals against Everton, just one behind Steven Gerrard’s club record of nine.
Salah is just two goals away from reaching 250 for Liverpool in all competitions.
Since the start of last season, Liverpool have scored 19 goals in the final 10 minutes of Premier League matches, more than any other side.
The last derby at Anfield saw Liverpool win 1-0 in April, thanks to a late strike from the late Diogo Jota – his final goal for the club.
Robbie Fowler remains Liverpool’s youngest goalscorer in a Merseyside derby, netting at 18 years and 338 days in a 2-1 Anfield win in 1994.
Alisson Becker has kept seven clean sheets in 11 league appearances against Everton – only Ray Clemence (14) and Pepe Reina (eight) have more for Liverpool.
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.
Liverpool could hand Alexander Isak his first minutes in a Reds shirt when they travel to Burnley at Turf Moor this Sunday. The Swedish striker has only played briefly for his country since the season began, so he is expected to start among the substitutes as he builds match fitness.
Hugo Ekitike continues to lead the line after a strong start to the campaign, supported by Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Florian Wirtz, who provide pace, creativity, and goal threat from across the front three. In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch will look to control the game and supply the attacking players with opportunities.
Will Slot Make Any Changes? Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Burnley
Dominik Szoboszlai has impressed at right-back, stepping into an unusual role with energy and attacking intent, while Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk form the central defensive partnership. Milos Kerkez completes the back four at left-back, giving balance both in defence and going forward.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
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.
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.”
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has been recognised by Athletic Club with their prestigious One-Club Man award for 2025.
The award, presented annually by the Basque side, celebrates loyalty in football by honouring players who represented only one club throughout their professional careers.
Carragher made 737 appearances for Liverpool between 1996 and 2013, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Reds’ defence across 17 years. He lifted the Champions League in 2005, along with two FA Cups and three League Cups.
Athletic confirmed the news in a statement:
Liverpool FC’s Jamie Carragher is the 2025 One-Club Man. The English defender represented the Reds across a 17-year professional career at Anfield, making 737 appearances for the club between 1996 and 2013.
Carragher will travel to San Mamés later this month to receive the award during Athletic’s La Liga fixture against Girona.
Speaking on the honour, the former Liverpool vice-captain said:
After winning the Champions League, being a one-club man is the biggest achievement of my career. It was an honour when Athletic Club got in touch. Athletic are respected everywhere in the world of football. They’re a truly unique club. I’m very honoured to receive this award and to know my name will always remain alongside some great footballers like Paolo Maldini and Carles Puyol.
The 47-year-old joins an illustrious list of past winners including Maldini, Puyol, Ryan Giggs and Sepp Maier.
