Carragher frustrated by critics

Carragher: Under pressure

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Jamie Carragher has revealed his frustration at the fact that his personal form has been questioned during Liverpool's struggles.

Ahead of Sunday's colossal clash with Manchester United, the Reds are in their worst run of form for 22 years after losing four consecutive games in all competitions.

Carragher has been highlighted as a weak link by pundits during his side's slump, with suggestions that the 31-year-old is beginning to show his age.

The defender believes he may have sparked the criticism by admitting that he was not firing on all cylinders, but he also believes that there has been a 'bandwagon' effect.

"Maybe I'm too honest or maybe I'm just stupid. (Former Liverpool captain and coach) Ronnie Moran told me I've been too honest for my own good when talking about my form. I think there could be something to that," he said in the News of the World.

Bad form

"There are 25 internationals in our dressing room and none of us can say we've been at the top of our game this season.

"It's just that I got asked about my form and I admitted I could do more, but I don't think I've been in as bad form as has been made out since I said that. Maybe I should be more careful what I say.

"I know when I've had a bad game because I can't get to sleep at night thinking about it. I'm my own biggest critic. I've watched videos of all the games because there's no-one needs to tell me how well or badly I've played.

"Across the whole season, I honestly don't think I have performed that badly apart from the games I've mentioned. But the results haven't been there so we all take responsibility for that.

"I know when we lose people look to the senior professionals, but you do think sometimes it's easy to jump on the bandwagon.

"All of us have had to ask ourselves at some point this season, 'Who is playing at the top of their game?' Maybe because of my age people are looking at me a bit more.

Responsibility

"If we lose a goal from a set-piece and I'm nowhere near the area of the man who's scored, how can I take the responsibility? But I know if the defence gets criticism it will be my face in the paper."

Carragher is now calling on his team-mates to prove their ability to help Liverpool out of their struggles.

"You don't have it rosy all the way through your career," he added. "You've got to fight to get to the top.

"We're at this club for a reason and one of those reasons is we're good at our jobs and because we've got the fight and the character needed to be at this club.

"This is the time we've got to show it. The manager won't be feeling extra pressure. He's been a manager for a long time. I'm sure he's had this in his career before."

The visit of United will also see Michael Owen return to Anfield after the former Liverpool striker controversially moved to Old Trafford in the summer following spells at Real Madrid and Newcastle.

Carragher is looking forward to facing his close friend, saying: "He will always be my mate. I understand why he made the decision to join Manchester United and I understand why our fans aren't happy about it. These things happen in football.

"He'll be doing his best to score against us, I'll be doing my best to stop him. But, at the end of the game, we'll still be mates."