Liverpool are winless in four Premier League games in 2026 as Arne Slot continues to face the heat at Anfield.
The Reds have picked up just three points since the turn of the year, a run of form that has seen them slip to sixth in the league standings.
Reports from Spain suggest Liverpool have held initial talks with Xabi Alonso to replace Slot, with the Spaniard currently without a job after leaving Real Madrid.
However, talkSPORT confirm that the Dutchman's job is safe for the time being as he retains the faith of the Liverpool hierarchy.
That said, Carragher believes UEFA Champions League qualification for next season is a bare minimum for Slot if he has any hope of staying at the club beyond the current season.
Liverpool were beaten 3-2 by Bournemouth in their previous Premier League encounter as Amine Adli scrambled the ball in after they failed to deal with a long throw.
In recent weeks, Slot's side have also failed to deal with set-pieces adequately, while in attack, their counter-attacking ability has been far from ideal as they have consistently made the wrong decision in the final third.
Speaking on Monday Night Football, Jamie Carragher highlighted the aforementioned factors as Liverpool's frailties, adding that his former team are better suited to tournament football.
He said, “If I think of the three big things that stand out in the Premier League now that you come up against, it’s set pieces, long throws and counter-attacking football.
"If you are a top team like Liverpool coming up against low blocks, they can’t cope with anything! What we are seeing is a team not suited to the Premier League.
“Liverpool, I think, as a club, can accept and almost take collective responsibility that we are not going to win the league this year and we are not going to challenge. Not good enough, but we accept it.
"But once you start seeing what Man United have done in the last couple of weeks, once you start seeing Chelsea, when you start seeing where Liverpool could actually finish outside of the Champions League positions - because I really fear for them - like I said, this team is not equipped for the Premier League.
With 15 Premier League games to go, Liverpool are two-points behind Manchester United, who look rejuvenated under interim boss Michael Carrick.
Chelsea are also a point above the reigning Premier League champions and the Blues are also showing signs of life under Liam Rosenior.
After spending nearly £450m in the summer transfer window, Carragher feels securing a top-four finish will be a bare minimum for Slot if he is to retain his position as head coach.
He added, “Once you start fearing UCL qualification for next season, that’s when I think you have got a completely different proposition when we are talking about the manager’s job.
"Not making the Champions League from champions after spending £450m and having the highest wage bill… I think they have got serious questions.
“Is it UCL qualification or bust for Arne Slot? Yeah.”
Liverpool are well and truly in a spot of bother as their season continues to unravel in 2026.
With teams around them continuing to improve, Slot must figure out a way to make his team tick as his position isn't as secure as it once was, especially with Alonso in the mix after his Real Madrid departure.
