Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher says he can handle the criticism that has come his way over his form slide. Carra's pace and positional play has been questioned this season, but he told LFC Weekly Magazine: "Criticism is part and parcel of football.

"And, to be honest, we probably deserve it. As one of the top teams in the country, it hasn't been good enough from Liverpool so far this season. We've become renowned over the last six years as one of the best-organised teams defensively anywhere in Europe. That's why it's been a bit of a shock to see us conceding so many goals.

"We haven't performed well defensively, as a team and as a back four. That also applies to me individually.

"I need to get back to my normal level. Maybe some of the other players at the back need to also. We need to work out how we can improve.

"I've got no problem with the criticism if it's due, which it is now. We all enjoy it when things are going well and we're getting a pat on the back. If you're getting criticised when it's not going well, that's par for the course."