Jamie Carragher feels it is unfair that Liverpool's recent recruits have been made scapegoats following Kenny Dalglish's departure.
Liverpool stalwart says senior figures should take the criticism
Jamie Carragher feels it is unfair that Liverpool's recent recruits have been made scapegoats following Kenny Dalglish's departure and says the more established players deserve criticism.
Dalglish was sacked earlier in the week after Liverpool finished eighth in the Premier League after winning the Carling Cup and reaching the FA Cup final.
The Kop legend's transfer dealings came under scrutiny with last summer's signings - Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson - all struggling to make a sustained impact.
Record arrival Andy Carroll, who moved to Anfield in January 2011, has also only recently started to impress, but Carragher does not believe the signings should take the blame for Dalglish's dismissal.
Learning
"I think they have had a lot of unfair criticism," said Carragher in the
Sunday Mirror.
"Henderson, Downing, Adam, Carroll - whoever it may be, it's always been a new signing. Have they been scapegoats? Yes. But I think it's players like myself, players who've been here a long time, who deserve more criticism than the new players. They've just been finding their feet, learning what Liverpool is all about.
"The manager brought Stewart and Andy in. Hopefully there's time for them to develop a good rapport.
"I'm sure they will be there next season and it's something we need to improve on - their relationship on the pitch. Stewart's a great crosser of the ball and we all know Andy's good in the air."
Downing failed to score or provide an assist in the Premier League this season, but has been picked in England's squad for Euro 2012, alongside Carroll, while Henderson is on stand-by.
Carragher continued: "Stewart is in the England squad, so he's getting the brunt of that now from an England perspective.
"I'm sure Stewart wouldn't like that statistic. He has at times put things on a plate for strikers. He can't finish those chances for them.
"He'll be disappointed because he'd like to score more goals. As an attacking player you want to score goals and create goals. I'm sure he'll want to rectify that for us next season.
"Andy has got great confidence at the moment, the way he's finished the season at Liverpool. He'll be going into the summer with confidence. From a selfish point of view he'll start next season really well. He'll be really fit and strong."
