Carragher wants to replace Van Dijk

"I know the opponent is Real, but this Liverpool team was in the final last year," Carragher told CBS Sports on February 21. "The performance this game and the whole season is unacceptable. Funny thing is, Virgil Van Dijk once said that the me in the past was not good enough to break into the Liverpool defense now. I think I will take his place. him at the moment."

Leading 2-0 after only 14 minutes, but Liverpool let Real Madrid score five consecutive goals right at Anfield. The main reason leading to the collapse of Liverpool at Anfield on February 21 was a sloppy defense, of which Van Dijk was partly responsible.

According to Carragher, centre-back Joe Gomez is the worst defender. "I shouldn't criticize someone too much when he makes a mistake, because he's also feeling bad," the former Liverpool midfielder added. "People think Liverpool need to buy more midfielders, but I think the team needs to buy defenders."

Carragher also said he was "embarrassed and humiliated" by his former team's performance. "I've never seen a team go to Anfield and destroy Liverpool like Real did today," he said. "This season, the team's defense has been a mess. Liverpool also played the worst derby I have ever seen against Everton, then they let 10 Newcastle's men create a series of chances. Newcastle, if enough people, can pull out. draw 2-2, because Liverpool's defense is too bad."

Carragher also cited the reason that Liverpool's weakness was partly due to the decline of the midfield, as well as the new elements in the attack that did not create enough pressure on the opponent.

Disappointed that the home team did not play well this season, but the former England international did not criticize coach Jurgen Klopp heavily. "The coach and the players have done a lot for the club in the last four to five years," the 45-year-old former defender said. "It hurts to say negative things, but the team is eighth in the Premier League and almost certainly out of the Champions League."