Carragher: Liverpool is becoming more and more like the Galacticos of the past, saddened to see Alexander-Arnold leave his childhood team

Liverpool will face Real Madrid in the Champions League tonight. Liverpool star Carragher also accepted an interview with AS before the game.

What are you currently working on?

I now work for Sky Sports and CBS, analyzing Premier League and Champions League games. I enjoy a role like this because it allows me to continue to stay connected with top-level football.

As a football commentator who likes to joke, are you proud to be the player with the most European appearances in Liverpool's history?

Yes, I made 150 appearances in UEFA club competitions. I'm very proud of that and, furthermore, I'm the player with the most caps in these continental tournaments of any England player.

What are your memories of winning the Champions League in 2005?

Winning the championship in Istanbul in 2005 was the biggest achievement in my career. But when I think back on that victory I realize part of the credit goes to our goalkeeping coach Ocho Torena and I was very sad to learn of his passing a few days ago, it was a huge blow to me. I know he is well respected in Spain and in Liverpool and he is a great character.

Do you still think of the missed penalty against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals?

No, there is no point dwelling on the past. It's part of football, things like this happen. And... excellent players like Gerrard and Lampard have also missed penalties!

What do you think of Spain's performance in the 2010 World Cup?

Spain performed very well in the 2010 World Cup. Winning the World Cup and two European Cups meant they dominated world football in that era.

How was your recent experience in Spain to receive an award?

I loved my trip to Bilbao and I feel very honored to receive this award. Now I'm an Athletic Bilbao fan! I wasn't too fond of them when I was younger though because they took away my dear Howard Kendall (laughs), who was the best Everton manager ever and I have a lot of great football memories because of him, especially in 1984-85.

Isn’t Athletic Bilbao’s youth training concept very special?

Atletico Bilbao's philosophy around youth players is one of the best ideas in the history of football and it makes them unique. This is admirable.

What impact did Spanish players and coaches have on the club during your time at Liverpool?

Spanish players and coaches had a huge impact on Liverpool in 2005. Without them we wouldn't have won the Champions League.

What is Benitez’s status in Liverpool?

Benitez is definitely a legend in Liverpool! He didn't reach the same heights at Newcastle or Everton, but he belongs at Liverpool.

How do you evaluate Xavi Alonso’s career and coaching prospects?

Alonso is a world-class player, and now it seems he is expected to become an equally outstanding world-class coach. I wish him success at this very demanding club.

Do you think the Premier League has surpassed La Liga?

I think the financial investment in the Premier League proves that it is of higher quality than La Liga, and this can also be seen from the current European war results of the two.

Real Madrid seems to have a lot of experience with Liverpool recently, doesn't it? A photo of you in May 2023, when you looked frustrated because Real Madrid came back from 2-5, went viral.

Usually it's when Liverpool lose that my pictures go viral! I'm used to it (laughs).

Liverpool won 2-0 against Real Madrid last season. Both Mbappe and Salah missed penalty kicks, which made Liverpool fans full of hope for tonight.

That game was really a reference point. Liverpool were great last season but are struggling now. That win convinced everyone to believe in Slaughter.

What would you think if you had the opportunity to face Mbappe?

Oh, a world-class star. Thank God I don't have to face Mbappe!

Is it a blow to you that Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool?

Yes, I am disappointed that he left. As a local player, I thought he would want to win more honors for his boyhood club.

Is Bellingham the best player in England right now?

Bellingham is the most talented and well-known player, but for our national team coach Tuchel, the important thing is team rather than individualism.

Liverpool has spent nearly 500 million euros in the transfer market. What do you think of this?

I said before that Liverpool has completed the transformation into a "Galactic Battleship". They are becoming more and more like Real Madrid in the Florentino era, Barcelona in their prime, Manchester United in the Ferguson era, or Manchester City now.

Who is your favorite to win the Champions League?

I think Paris Saint-Germain is the favorite to win.

Why did Michael Owen not succeed at Real Madrid?

Considering that he scored a lot of goals in his limited playing time, Irving's performance in Real Madrid was actually very good.

Who will win this match between Liverpool vs Real Madrid?

I will never bet on Liverpool losing at home in the Champions League!