Jamie Carragher slams Liverpool’s ‘SHAMBOLIC’ defenders Matip and Gomez after defeat by Wolves

Jamie Carragher criticized Liverpool’s ‘shambolic’ central defense after their 3-0 defeat by Wolves on Saturday.

He was unimpressed with the way Joel Matip and Joe Gomez handled each other in the middle of the back four, hinting that it showed why the Reds needed ‘leader’ Virgil Van Dijk back sooner rather than later.

The Dutchman has missed Liverpool’s last three league games with a hamstring injury, and the Reds have not won any of those games, but he should return to training this week.

His return couldn’t come at a better time, following their loss to Wolves, losing 2-0 in 12 minutes via a Matip own goal and then Craig Dawson’s rocket on his debut for the hosts. Rubén Neves got the third with just under 20 minutes to go.

The result, and particularly the defensive performance of Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, was masterminded by former Liverpool legend Carragher, who said the defenders should have stepped up in Van Dijk’s absence.

Liverpool central defenders Joel Matip, who scored an own goal, and Joe Gomez were scheduled to

Jamie Carragher said it was clear they needed ‘leader’ Virgil Van Dijk in the back line again

Carragher tweeted: ‘It’s not too difficult to play central defense alongside the leader of the back four, to judge the CBs when they have to lead themselves.’

Speaking after the defeat, Klopp himself confirmed that he was concerned about the state of Liverpool’s defensive problems.

When asked about Liverpool’s form, conceding 20 more goals than in the entire 2021-22 season, the German manager said: “How can I not be worried?

‘I don’t lose confidence in the boys but we have to improve.’

Gomez entered the Liverpool side for the Wolves game, having replaced Ibrahima Konate, who partnered Matip for the Brighton game.

However, given the state of recent results, Van Dijk could be expected to return to the starting XI as soon as possible to secure Liverpool’s defensive line.

They then have the Merseyside derby on Monday 13 February, before a trip to Newcastle five days later.

A frustrated Jurgen Klopp has said he is ‘worried’ about Liverpool’s form after the defeat

Liverpool faces future challenges against Everton and Newcastle United in the next fortnight

Van Dijk should return to training this week after a hamstring injury sidelined him from games.