Jamie Carragher has reversed his initial scepticism about Liverpool's Premier League title chances under Andoni Iraola, now believing the club can challenge for the trophy amid ongoing speculation over Manchester City's 115 financial rule breaches. The former Liverpool defender wrote in his Telegraph column that it is 'inconceivable' a substantial punishment would not affect City's ability to win the title.
From Scepticism to Optimism
Iraola joined Anfield in the summer after a three-year spell at Bournemouth, where he earned acclaim for his achievements on the south coast. However, with his Premier League experience limited to a club outside the established big six, questions remained about whether he could replicate that form at Liverpool.
The 44-year-old has delivered four wins from his first eight Premier League fixtures, while Liverpool have also enjoyed a flawless start to their Champions League campaign, winning all three matches to sit third in the table.
Manchester City's Impact
Carragher now believes any substantial points deduction imposed on City could effectively remove them from the title race, potentially offering Liverpool a stronger chance to regain the trophy they won under Arne Slot during the 2024/25 campaign.
Writing in his column, Carragher explained: "I count myself as one of those on a journey with Iraola from initial scepticism following his appointment towards cautious optimism having seen his vision starting to take shape. My fear at the start of the season was that Liverpool employed a manager who had never won a trophy, nor managed in European competition."
Title Race Outlook
Carragher acknowledged the guilty verdict in the Manchester City case has changed the season's complexion, saying: "Now we expect City to be punished soon. Given the nature and severity of their misdemeanours it is inconceivable they will be a title contender if that happens. The door is open for those in the chasing pack with the capacity and will to walk through it."
He added that if Iraola repeats Slot's success, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes can expect applause for getting it right again, having done so when Jurgen Klopp left. Iraola has made a fine start in eradicating doubts about his relative inexperience, with Liverpool facing Arsenal this weekend.
