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6 months ago
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Jamie Carragher has admitted Liverpool's Premier League title hopes are over following an 'unacceptable display' in their Merseyside derby defeat against Everton.
Jurgen Klopp's side were beaten 2-0 at Goodison Park on Wednesday night with Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin on target for the hosts.
Carragher told Sky Sports that his former side's title hopes have been ended by their rivals, with Liverpool three points behind Arsenal with four matches remaining this season.
'This is the end of the title run for Liverpool,' Carragher said. 'It almost feels like the end and they've just got to make sure they finish the season really strongly.
'They had enough chances at the beginning of the game but they're not clinical enough in both boxes.
Liverpool's title hopes were dealt a crushing blow with a 2-0 defeat in the Merseyside derby
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes the defeat to Everton ends their hopes
Carragher suggested Liverpool now need to focus on ending Jurgen Klopp's time on a high
'I don't think it's the time to get too angry with the team or Jurgen Klopp it's been a great ride, a great journey, but tonight is Everton's night.'
The former Liverpool captain claimed Liverpool's performance at Goodison Park was 'unacceptable' in the final weeks of the title race.
The Reds have stumbled in recent weeks with a damaging 2-2 draw at Man United and 1-0 home defeat against Crystal Palace having already dented their title hopes.
Liverpool also crashed out of the Europa League to Atalanta with Klopp's final weeks in charge threatening to peter out.
Carragher highlighted Mo Salah's struggles in recent weeks as a factor, admitting the club will be forced to consider his future as he enters the final year of his contract and with a new manager set to join the club.
'Mo Salah has looked a shadow of himself, especially after his injury,' Carragher said. 'He is Liverpool's legend, superstar, one of the all-time greats but he's been so far off it.
'I think there is a real discussion with the new manager coming in what the future holds for Mo Salah as he's only got a year left.'
Carragher also questioned Darwin Nunez's future at Liverpool, suggesting the forward's finishing remains too erratic for a team seeking to win the game's biggest prizes.
Mo Salah and Darwin Nunez's futures at the club were questioned by Carragher post-match
Carragher admitted the Reds may have to consider Salah's future with one year left on his deal
'I think I'm at the stage with Nunez now where I don't think there is a question to ask,' Carragher said.
'He gives it everything, he runs, he causes trouble, he gets the odd goal and assist, but after two years, with Liverpool this season going for the title and those big games, you need him to score at Old Trafford, Goodison, at Atalanta.
'This is not October or November this is the business end of the title race.
‘We've all been in squads where first year we say he needs to get to speed, but you're looking at it now, I don't think there will be a massive improvement. I think after two years we've seen what he is, he can cause trouble and be erratic with his finishing
‘I don't think it's enough to win the biggest trophies, so I think there's a big decision to be made on him.’
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge echoed Carragher’s views on Liverpool’s forward line, after the Reds failed to score for the third time in five matches.
Sturridge believes the Reds are not as clinical as their previous attacking trio of Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, suggesting Liverpool’s next manager could have big decisions to make.
‘Darwin today his finishing has let him down he's one of those players that causes a lot of problems for defenders but wasn't clinical. Again Diaz, same sort of thing,’ Sturridge said.
Daniel Sturridge believes Liverpool's next manager could have big decisions to make in attack
The former Liverpool forward admitted Nunez's finishing let him down again against Everton
‘They weren't at their best and for whatever reason, they were lacking that edge you need to get you to the next level.
‘In this team you have a goalscoring winger in Salah, then Diaz and Nunez who is half and half. When Liverpool were successful they had goalscorers in Mane and Salah and then the No 9 Firmino would pitch in with assists and goals. Now there's no continuity.
‘When Salah's not scoring, Jota is not fit unfortunately and he's the one who provides the goals. The new manager will have to figure out a way to make these players gel or make a big decision.’
Liverpool are closing in on appointing Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as their next manager and the Dutchman could be appointment could even be confirmed before the weekend.
Mail Sport reported on Tuesday how Slot had emerged as Liverpool’s preferred candidate to take over from Klopp.
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