Jamie Carragher Attacks Liverpool's Leadership After Crystal Palace Defeat

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has attacked his former side's lack of leadership and claims Brendan Rodgers must sign at least four new players to cure the problems exposed by Crystal Palace during the defeat at Selhurst Park on Sunday 23 November.

Despite going ahead through Rickie Lambert's second-minute goal – his first for the Reds since joining from Southampton in the summer – Dwight Gayle, Joe Ledley and Mile Jedinak ensured another miserable trip to south London after last term's title-derailing 3-3 draw.

Carragher has used the defeat to take aim at Liverpool's slip in standards this season and says although the club signed 10 new players in the summer, at least another four are required to remedy their current issues.

"This is more than just a poor start, something is wrong," Carragher told Sky Sports. "Suarez has gone so what? Nothing has changed.

"We say new players need time to adjust; I am not a big believer in that. We're getting to the point where we need to see some performances.

"They're not being beaten by quality, they're being beaten by no leadership. It cost Liverpool the league, they conceded 50 goals last season. It hasn't been rectified with the money that has been spent.

"Players are taking time to settle in. I'm looking at it now and Liverpool need four or five new players."

A fourth defeat in a row in all competitions led to Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admitting he was under pressure at Anfield, despite having guided the club to the brink of a first league title in 24 years last term.

Rodgers joined the club in the summer of 2012 but says the nature of his high-profile role means he deserves scrutiny over his position.

"I'm not arrogant enough to think that I will be in a job through anything," he said. "Any manager will tell you that you have to win games and you have to get results, especially after how we've been developing as a football club.

"But I have a great communication line with the owners. We've been honest enough with each other but ultimately you have to get results. You have to perform.

"There's no doubt as a manager you have to get results. That will support the confidence to the owners and you take it from there.

"I will only ever do my best. The best has seen us develop well. Now I need to fight even harder and take the responsibility because as manager full responsibility comes down to me. Any pressure comes on to me.

"We've brought in very good players. Some of them are very young and are not going to be ready for a few years but they're in now. We have to do better in our performance level."