Liverpool legend warns Slot over possible transfer oversight | OneFootball

Carragher Issues Warning Over Liverpool’s Defensive Depth

Liverpool may have taken nine points from their opening three games, but Jamie Carragher has sounded a note of caution about a potential weakness in Arne Slot’s squad. Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast, the former Liverpool defender suggested that missing out on Marc Guehi on Deadline Day could “blow up in their face” later in the season.

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Missed Opportunity in Defence

Liverpool were close to completing a move for Guehi from Crystal Palace, with the defender reportedly beginning a medical before the deal collapsed. Palace ultimately pulled out due to difficulties sourcing a replacement, leaving Liverpool without their top defensive target.

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Carragher’s warning centred on the risk of Liverpool being caught short in defence if injuries strike. “Guehi was giving Liverpool competition at centre-back, they haven’t really got that,” he said. “They’ve got two starters and two understudies. Joe Gomez, injury-prone himself, and the young lad (Leoni) who’s only 18, come from Italy, going to be a great prospect. If one of them had to play for a couple of months, it’s a big difference.”

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Slot’s Balancing Act

Arne Slot must now navigate a campaign where squad depth at centre-back could become crucial. With Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate established as first-choice, Gomez and Giovanni Leoni are next in line. The risk is magnified by both Gomez and Konate having previous injury records, leaving little margin for error in a title race.

Guehi’s Composure Impresses

Guehi, who started and scored in England’s 5-0 win over Serbia, was praised for the way he handled questions about the failed transfer. “He said it had been an interesting two weeks. He didn’t antagonise, he didn’t come out with anything smart. You can just tell he’s a really good guy,” Gary Neville said.

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Carragher’s warning lingers, though. Liverpool’s title defence may depend on whether Slot’s backline can stay fit and avoid the kind of disruption that derailed previous campaigns.