Carra: I need to find my level

Jamie Carragher has no complaints about the criticism which has come his way this season - and claims Liverpool must rediscover their defensive solidity in order to close the gap on league leaders Chelsea.

By his own admission, Carra has yet to hit top form this term - and he knows the Reds must find a solution to the problems which have seen them ship 12 goals in eight league games.
 
However, the vice-captain claims Liverpool's start to the campaign - which has left them six points behind Chelsea - has not been as bad as some critics would have you believe.
 
"Criticism is part and parcel of football," Carra told LFC Weekly Magazine.
 
"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."
 
Despite conceding his own form has not been as it should this season, the 31-year-old dismisses any talk of his age being a factor.
 
"What will happen with me now is that every time I have a bad game people will mention my age, whereas before it was just a case of me having a bad game.
 
"I look after myself very well, it's just that when things aren't going well for you, nothing goes well.
 
"Like against Chelsea. I thought I played well, but then I made a mistake at the end for the second goal. If I hadn't made that mistake, everyone would be saying I'd played well."
 
While Liverpool have suffered the occasional slip-up at the back, Carra takes heart from the 22 goals fired at the other end.
 
"Attacking-wise there's no problem," said the former England international.
 
"We're right up there with the best when it comes to scoring. Now we've got to get the balance right.
 
"We haven't started as well as we would have liked, but it's not been as bad as some people are making out.
 
"It's not a massive gap. I'm, sure we can cut it. It was six points the other week, but by the time we played Chelsea it was three. If we'd have beaten them, we'd have been joint top.
 
"That shows how easily it can turn."