Carragher: Liverpool Will Struggle With Additional European Fixtures and Luis Suarez's Absence

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes the Reds will struggle to emulate last season's form in the upcoming campaign.

Brendan Rodgers saw his side lose the Premier League title on the final day of the season to Manchester City by two points. Their second place finish saw them return to the Champions League. Meanwhile, last season's Premier League top scorer Luis Suarez agreed terms to join Barcelona earlier this month.

The former Reds defender believes the European fixtures would be "additional pressure" on Liverpool. Carragher says Suarez's absence, along with Champions League football will be the reason behind the Merseyside club's struggle in the league next season.

"It will be difficult to replicate last season, not just because of Suarez's absence, but because of the additional pressure and fixtures that comes with European football," Carragher told talkSPORT.

"It's something Liverpool didn't have to contend with, so it'll be totally different for the squad, a lot of the players haven't played at that level before."

"It will be an interesting season, no one predicted that Liverpool would have such as good campaign last term, so if the side can reproduce that again this season, without Suarez as well as coping with Champions League football, it will be an even bigger achievement," he added.

Carragher also stressed it would be difficult for the Reds to replace Suarez. The Anfield club's chief executive has already confirmed Liverpool will spend money raised from the sale of the Uruguayan international in order to build a competitive squad.

The Anfield favourite has backed Liverpool's decision to spend heavily as he believes Rodgers will not be able to find anyone better than Suarez.

"It will obviously be very difficult to replace Luis Suarez. I'm sure Brendan will be looking to sign a top class forward now, but we're talking about replacing one of the best players in world football," the former Liverpool centre-back said.

"Liverpool are spending the money in a different way by strengthening the squad in lots of different positions, but they've almost had to do that because you're not going to get anyone better than Suarez."

"Maybe only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been above him over the last few years, so chances of finding someone better are very slim."

"But with Champions League football returning this season, Liverpool need a bigger squad and more quality and it seems like they're addressing that at the moment," Carragher concluded.