Carragher urges Iraola to drop Wirtz after Liverpool flop produces another disappointing display vs Man City

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has called on manager Andoni Iraola to remove Florian Wirtz from the starting lineup following another poor performance in their 3-0 loss to Manchester City. Liverpool arrived at Anfield with hopes of regaining confidence, but the FA Cup champions' 3-0 defeat exposed glaring issues with their midfield.

Wirtz, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen on a hefty transfer fee, has struggled to live up to expectations. Although he had a stronger showing in Germany's recent international matches, Carragher argues his recent displays for Liverpool have been insufficient to justify his continued place in the team. Carragher suggests Wirtz has had ample opportunities to prove himself and should now be replaced.

The German midfielder's lack of audacity and ability to make a difference in Liverpool's most crucial games has been a concern. Wirtz has failed to inject the attacking impetus Liverpool needs. The club faces a daunting schedule, including difficult away games at LASK and Brentford, followed by intense matches against Villarreal and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Carragher suggests Iraola may need to consider dropping Wirtz for the more grueling fixtures and allow him to build confidence against weaker opposition. It appears the current partnership is not working.