Jamie Carragher has gone back on his previous remarks about Andoni Iraola's Liverpool not being real Premier League title contenders this season

Jamie Carragher has reversed his initial stance on Liverpool's title chances under Andoni Iraola, having previously questioned whether the Spaniard could make the step up to managing one of England's biggest clubs. This comes amid uncertainty surrounding Manchester City's 115 financial rule breaches, with Carragher suggesting it is 'inconceivable' that a significant punishment would not impact their chances of winning the Premier League title.

Iraola arrived at Anfield in the summer following an impressive three-year spell at Bournemouth, where he earned widespread praise for his work on the south coast. However, with his Premier League experience limited to a club outside the traditional big six, there were doubts over whether he could replicate that success at Liverpool.

The 44-year-old has overseen four victories in his opening eight Premier League matches, while Liverpool have also made a perfect start to their Champions League campaign, winning all three games to sit third in the standings.

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Carragher believes that any significant points deduction handed to City could effectively rule them out of the Premier League title race, potentially giving Liverpool a greater opportunity for them to reclaim the title they won under Arne Slot during the 2024/25 campaign.

Although Carragher now believes his former club have a genuine opportunity to compete for the title ahead of the weekend clash with Arsenal, he admitted he initially had reservations about Iraola's appointment and whether the Spaniard could deliver at the highest level.

Writing in his column for The Telegraph, 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.

"These did not strike me as solid credentials for a job of such stature. It felt like a gamble to opt for someone who would have to learn how to manage a big club rather than arrive ready-made. There was a lot to do, and some unanswered questions about what made Iraola the standout candidate, particularly given those who picked him – Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes – were about to announce their own departure as chief executive and sporting director, respectively."

However, as the season has progressed, Carragher has since changed his stance. The Liverpool legend explained: "There are several reasons why there are those who believe Iraola’s side might push Arsenal closer than anticipated.

"First and foremost, the guilty verdict in the Manchester City case has altered the complexion of the season, and emboldened those who want to seize the initiative. When Iraola replaced Arne Slot last summer, it was difficult to envisage how Liverpool could get past both Arsenal and City within a year.

"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.

"But if Iraola repeats Slot’s Premier League success during his Anfield career, Hughes and Edwards can expect more applause for getting it right for a successive time having done so when Jurgen Klopp left. Iraola has made a fine start in eradicating doubts about his relative inexperience."

Liverpool return to Premier League action this weekend after booking their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Andoni Iraola's former side Bournemouth. The Reds host title rivals Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, November 1, with kick-off scheduled for 4:30pm.