**“IT MAKES NO SENSE!” – JAMIE CARRAGHER SLAMS SLOT FOR BENCHING LIVERPOOL STAR AGAINST BURNLEY**
Liverpool may have walked away with three points after edging Burnley late on, but the performance left plenty of questions unanswered. Despite their overwhelming possession and wave after wave of attacks, the Reds struggled to break down Vincent Kompany’s well-organized side. For former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, the blame lies squarely at the feet of manager Arne Slot—and one major selection decision in particular.
Carragher was furious that Florian Wirtz, the player Liverpool brought in to add creativity and attacking flair, once again found himself starting on the bench. After the game, Carragher didn’t hold back in his post-match analysis:
> “Liverpool’s issues in games like this come down to Slot’s choices. He keeps benching Wirtz, and it’s hurting the team. No elite coach in the world would willingly leave a player of that caliber out of the starting eleven. It’s disrupting everything up front.”
### The “Wirtz Dilemma”
When Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz, expectations were sky-high. The young German playmaker was supposed to be the link between Mohamed Salah and new striker Alexander Isak, creating one of Europe’s most fearsome attacking trios. Instead, Arne Slot continues to prioritize a more conservative midfield balance, leaving Wirtz watching from the sidelines until late in games.
Against Burnley, the same story unfolded. Liverpool created chances but lacked that decisive final ball. By the time Wirtz came on, frustration had already set in, and many opportunities had been wasted.
### Carragher Calls It “Almost Criminal”
Carragher was direct in his criticism, suggesting Slot is making a huge tactical blunder:
> “You’ve got one of the most gifted playmakers in Europe sitting on the bench, while your team is crying out for creativity. Honestly, it’s almost criminal. A player like Wirtz has to be one of the first names on the team sheet.”
He even went further, warning that Slot risks alienating parts of the dressing room if Wirtz continues to be overlooked. In Carragher’s eyes, it’s a decision that could have long-term consequences for team morale.
### Supporters Agree
Carragher isn’t alone in his view. Many Liverpool fans voiced their anger on social media after the match. One supporter summed it up bluntly:
“Bench Wirtz, and you bench our creativity. We were toothless until he came on. Slot needs to stop overthinking.”
Other fans accused the Dutch manager of being far too cautious, suggesting his reluctance to unleash Wirtz is preventing Liverpool’s revamped attack from reaching its full potential.
### What Comes Next
With tougher fixtures around the corner, the pressure on Slot is building. Rivals such as Manchester City and Arsenal are scoring freely, and Liverpool can’t afford to keep stuttering in front of goal.
Carragher closed his remarks with a clear warning:
> “No manager in their right mind leaves Wirtz on the bench. Play him, or risk Liverpool’s entire title push slipping away.”