Arsenal Invincible tells Jurgen Klopp to reject Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher’s Europa League request

Ray Parlor has urged Jurgen Klopp not to rest key players for Liverpool’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Atalanta.

It comes after Reds legend Jamie Carragher called on Klopp to prioritize the Premier League title race after his side were beaten 3-0 at Anfield in the first leg of their European tie.

Klopp’s farewell attempt suffered a major blow as a brace from former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca and a late Mario Palasic strike earned the Serie A side a resounding victory in the fortress from Merseyside.

The result prompted Carragher to give the Liverpool boss some advice ahead of the second leg in Italy.

In an article on X, the former Reds defender wrote: “Horrible result and performance from Liverpool.

“The only consolation for being beaten so badly is that Jurgen should play a full second string in the second leg and go all-in for the league!”

And the expert’s suggestion is far from scandalous.

The Merseyside side are currently engaged in an epic title race, which sees them behind league leaders Arsenal on goal difference, while just one point ahead of reigning champions Manchester City .

But despite this, Gunners great Ray Parlor has argued that Liverpool should not abandon their European hopes just yet, telling Klopp to play a full team in the second leg.

But maybe he would say that, given his links to their title rivals… as the Invicibles legend told talkSPORT Breakfast: “I think he needs to highlight the team stronger, really go for it.”

4

4

Parlor highlighted Liverpool’s ability to create goalscoring opportunities as reason to believe they could stage an incredible comeback.

Referring to their recent 2-2 draw against Manchester United, which saw the Reds squander numerous chances, the talkSPORT pundit added: “Look at the chances they had against Man United in that first half -time.

“If they manage to score two, they’re back in the tie. And you never know, some teams will panic a little bit and dig a little deeper, and then they’re on the front foot.

“So I would say eliminate your strongest team, try to score that first goal, which is so important.”

The three-time Premier League winner then reiterated his belief that Klopp’s squad could turn things around, highlighting their wealth of attacking talent, which includes Premier League Golden Boot contender Mohamed Salah and exciting talent – albeit erratic – Darwin Nunez.

He insisted: “Why can’t they come back? They have the firepower to score three goals, no problem, Liverpool. We’ve seen it a lot this season.

“So for me I would go with the stronger team, hopefully get that early goal, and put the pressure back on Atalanta to defend well.

“And go for the win and try to score three goals, who knows? They can do it!”

4

It remains to be seen which of the former players’ two suggestions Klopp will favour, with the German manager insisting his side will concentrate fully on their upcoming league match against Crystal Palace for the moment.

Asked if he thought his team could still reach the Europa League final, which would be his final match in charge of the club, he replied: “I think it’s not the time to ‘talk about.

“I’m not in the mood to think about the game in a week when we have another one in between.”

The 56-year-old hopes Liverpool can provide the perfect response against Palace, where they will look to boost their title chances and build confidence ahead of the European rematch, as they aim for a trophy-laden farewell for their outgoing manager.