Micah Richards has hinted that Liverpool might need a shake-up come the summer after a less than stellar performance in the Carabao Cup final.
Attempting to bounce back from the disheartening Champions League knockout by PSG, Arne Slot’s team found themselves behind at Wembley when Dan Burn nodded Newcastle ahead just before the break.
Alexander Isak compounded Liverpool’s woes with a second goal early in the second half, and although Federico Chiesa’s late strike offered a flicker of hope, the trophy slipped away as Eddie Howe’s side triumphed 2-1.
Liverpool still has a significant chance at Premier League glory this season, sitting comfortably with a 12-point lead. Yet, even with what might be seen as a commendable debut season for manager Slot, Richards believes there’s scope for bolstering the squad once the transfer window swings open again.
“I think Liverpool can freshen up everywhere, I really do,” Richards expressed to Gary Lineker on The Rest Is Football podcast. “I think a good thing about it is Slot’s got an opportunity to get exactly what he wants into this system and this team. Let’s not forget about Slot – he’s gonna win the league in his first year with having Chiesa as his [only] signing. That’s remarkable in itself.
“I think he needs a nine and I think he needs a left-back – I think [Andy] Robertson has been a fantastic servant for Liverpool but I know there has been links with [Milos] Kerkez at Bournemouth. He’s got real energy.
“I like Conor Bradley at right-back. I do believe Liverpool needs another center-half just for cover. I think if [Ibrahima] Konate is getting his injuries – or it depends on what happens with [Virgil] van Dijk. I’m looking forward to seeing what Slot does business-wise, but I think he needs to freshen up in all positions.”
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With Chiesa’s added-time goal only serving as a consolation, it was the Reds’ forward line, specifically winger Luis Diaz, who Richards felt was slightly off the mark on Sunday.
“I was sort of disappointed with Luis Diaz,” he continued. “I know he’s been through a lot with his father getting kidnapped and all that sort of thing. But, when I’ve seen him previously, he’s been electric. He’s been up and down.
“I’m not picking out Diaz at all, but I just think on a big pitch like Wembley, where at times there was space to exploit gaps, I just wanted to see a little bit more. This team, at times, is so reliant on Mo Salah – expecting a worldie from him, a penalty, a free-kick, whatever it may be. I just thought from Liverpool’s point of view, the performance was a little bit flat… I wanted to see a little bit more.”
