Jamie Carragher has launched a scathing critique of Liverpools style of play heading into the season under new manager Andoni Iraola, hitting out at the basketball game played by the Reds. Liverpool kick off their season on Sunday when they travel to St James Park to face Newcastle United.Given the upheaval the Magpies have experienced this summer, the Reds will be favourites to emerge victorious on what is likely to be an emotional day, with the game to be preceded by tributes to Newcastle and Liverpool legend Kevin Keegan, who died last month aged 75. Still, Carragher sees cause for concerns following the Reds pre-season preparations, with Iraolas side scoring nine goals and conceded nine across their warm-up games.Iraola was brought in to replace Arne Slot, who was relieved of his duties after two seasons in charge. Slot led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first campaign, but they dropped off dramatically last term, slumping to a fifth-placed finish amid significant criticism of the style of play under the Dutchman.Carragher criticises Liverpools basketball game styleThe success Iraola enjoyed in his time at Bournemouth, who finished sixth last term, came in large part because of the intensity with which his team played.It is that brand of football that will have attracted the Liverpool hierarchy to the Spaniard, but former Reds centre-back Carragher is worried about an overemphasis on attacking players.Liverpool will be interesting this season, Carragher said during an appearance onThe Overlap Fan Debate. Im intrigued to see how it goes and what players theyre going to get and how they are going to go about the season.Liverpool have too many attacking players on the pitch, they just want to bomb forward. And its the same in pre-season at Liverpool this season its just a basketball game.No top team plays football like that. I dont believe it.However, Carragher does not believe the fans will turn on Iraola if his style of play, which is similar to that employed by Jurgen Klopp during his legendary tenure at the club, fails to deliver results.One of the reasons why we brought Iraola in at Liverpool, is becausehe plays Klopp football not because hes won lots of trophies, not because hes managed big clubs because he presses, theyre energetic. Thats the football that we want, Carragher added. Were almost at the stage at Liverpool now where the players will get the blame the fans want high energy football, weve got a manager whos brought that in, so if you dont do it, its on you. So, no, it [the scrutiny] wont be on Iraola. Topics Liverpool F.C. Premier League Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Bruno Fernandes: Man United adamant amid Galatasaray speculation Nicholas McGee 17th August, 2026 Full list of TV Premier League fixtures in October and early November Ben Miller 17th August, 2026 Leeds to challenge for the top four, Chelsea to miss out on Europe again and Newcastle to go down: 10 outlandish Premier League predictions Jon Fisher 17th August, 2026 Arsenal 3-0 Man City: Community Shield report, result, goals Ben Miller 17th August, 2026 Liverpool 2-0 Como: Report, result, goals from friendly Ben Miller 17th August, 2026 Premier League pre season matches: Reports, results, goals Ben Miller 17th August, 2026
