Arne Slot "would not have a leg to stand on" if Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League, so says Jamie Carragher.

Liverpool spent big last summer as they aimed to build on their Premier League title triumph.

However, their title defence has wilted and the Reds' best hope domestically is now to target a top-four finish in order to guarantee Champions League football next season.

But with Liverpool having dropped down to sixth following Saturday's loss to Bournemouth, Carragher fears for Slot's position if he fails to ensure Champions League qualification.

"I think some of the criticism and the disrespect he's had from supporters is far too much, considering they won the league title last season, but if he doesn't qualify for the Champions League, he doesn't have a leg to stand on," Carragher said on Sky Sports.

"Liverpool as a club and support can accept they are not going to win the league or challenge this year. We accept it: not good enough, but we accept it.

"Once you start seeing what Manchester United have done in the last couple of weeks, once you start seeing Chelsea, and you see where Liverpool could finish outside the Champions League positions, I really fear for them.

"Once you start fearing Champions League qualification for next season, that's when you have a completely different proposition when you are talking about the manager's job.

"Not making the Champions League as champions, spending £450 million ($615.95m) and having the highest wage bill in the Premier League – which is the biggest determining factor normally about where you finish in the league – I think you have serious questions to ask."

Liverpool have conceded a 90th-minute or later winning goal three times in the Premier League this season – their most ever in a single campaign in the competition.

They turn their attention to the Champions League on Wednesday, with a home game against Qarabag rounding off the league phase.

Liverpool are fourth in the 36-team standings, and Carragher thinks they have built a squad more capable in Europe than in the Premier League.

He said: "The real worry I have for Liverpool in actually qualifying for the Champions League is, if I think of the three big things you come up against in the Premier League, it's set-pieces and long throws, it's counter-attacking football for and against, and if you are a top team like Liverpool it's coming up against low blocks, Liverpool can't cope with any of them.

"We are seeing a team not suited to the Premier League. When we see them in Europe, are set-pieces and long throws as important? No. Is counter-attacking important? It is always important, but not as much in Europe and no-one plays a low block in Europe so it suits Liverpool.

"They can beat Real Madrid, they can go away to Inter Milan and win, they can go away and win at Marseille, get into the top eight and into the knockout round.

"I don't think this team is equipped for the Premier League."