Former Red fires warning at Liverpool after poor display against Napoli

Former Red Jamie Carragher has warned Liverpool that they face a tough task to ensure qualification for the knockout rounds of the Champions League.

The 1-1 draw with Napoli at Anfield last night means Liverpool must avoid defeat at Salzburg on December 10 to reach the last 16.

After a poor start to the game against Napoli, Carragher believes the Reds will take a point given the circumstances, but it has left them with more work to do than they would have liked.

“Liverpool were completely different in the second half. It’s a game they may think they should have gone and won but first half they were really poor, Liverpool,” Carragher told ViaSport.

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 27: Dries Mertens of SSC Napoli is held back by Andy Robertson of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Liverpool FC and SSC Napoli at Anfield on November 27, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

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“That’s been a theme throughout the season really, they start second halves really strong and look a totally different team.

“They played really well in the second half but didn’t create enough clear-cut chances really, so I think it was a fair result.

“I think Liverpool will be pleased that they didn’t lose the game.

“They had to get three points to try and kill the Salzburg game, but now they have to go to Salzburg.”

Carragher added that the trip to Salzburg will be difficult, as the Austrian club have shown they have the ability to score goals.

“I think it’ll be a really tough game. They showed here [at Anfield] with the goals that they got, and Haaland was only on the bench in that game, so I’m sure he’ll start and he’s a big threat,” said Carragher.

“They’ve got everything to play for to try and knock the European champions out of the Champions League is a huge thing for them, it’ll be a great atmosphere.

“I think if Liverpool play at their best they’ll be fine, they only need to draw the game, but it won’t be easy and that’s the disappointing thing for Liverpool tonight, they haven’t put that game to bed and now they have to go to Salzburg with a real strong team.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com