IT MAKES NO SENSE!” – JAMIE CARRAGHER SLAMS ARNE SLOT FOR BENCHING LIVERPOOL STAR THAT COULD HAVE DESTROYED BURNLEY
Liverpool might have scraped a late win over Burnley, but the performance left fans and pundits alike fuming. The Reds dominated possession, pressed high, and created half-chances—but their inability to break down a stubborn Burnley side for long stretches raised serious questions. And according to Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, the answer is simple: Arne Slot is benching the wrong man.
Carragher did not hold back when speaking after the match.
> “The reason Liverpool are finding it so difficult to score goals against sides like Burnley is because Slot keeps benching him. No manager in their right mind would have a player like that and decide to leave him out. It’s killing the rhythm of the attack.”
“him” Carragher was talking about? Florian Wirtz.
THE WIRTZ CONUNDRUM
Liverpool splashed the cash to bring Florian Wirtz to Anfield, with fans hailing him as the creative force to take the team to the next level. A player compared to the likes of Kevin De Bruyne for his vision and technique, Wirtz was supposed to link up with Mohamed Salah and new signing Alexander Isak to form one of the most lethal front lines in Europe.
But against Burnley, Slot once again left Wirtz out of the starting lineup—sparking outrage. Instead, Liverpool relied on a more rigid midfield setup that struggled to carve open Vincent Kompany’s low block.
By the time Wirtz was eventually introduced, Liverpool had already wasted countless opportunities.
CARRAGHER: “IT’S ALMOST CRIMINAL”
Carragher was visibly frustrated, blasting Slot’s decision-making
You’ve got a world-class playmaker sitting on the bench while the team is crying out for someone to open Burnley up. It’s almost criminal. Wirtz should be one of the first names on the team sheet. He’s the kind of player that wins you tight matches like this.”
He even went as far as to suggest Slot could face dressing room unrest if he continues sidelining the young German.
LIVERPOOL FANS AGREE
Social media exploded with fans echoing Carragher’s words. Many questioned why Slot is “overthinking tactics” when the answer is right in front of him. One supporter posted:
“Bench Wirtz and you bench creativity. We looked toothless until he came on. Slot needs to wake up.”
Others accused the manager of being “too cautious” and failing to unleash Liverpool’s new-look attack at full power.
WHAT THIS MEANS GOING FORWARD
With bigger tests ahead, Slot is under pressure to rethink his selections. The Premier League race leaves no room for wasted points, and Liverpool can’t afford to look blunt in attack—especially with rivals like Manchester City and Arsenal scoring for fun.
Carragher’s words will resonate with fans who believe Wirtz was signed for moments exactly like the Burnley clash. If Slot continues to bench him, questions will only grow louder: is Liverpool’s manager sabotaging his own attack?
Because as Carragher made crystal clear: “No manager benches a player like Wirtz. Play him—or risk Liverpool’s title hopes slipping away.”