Covering Liverpool Episode 3: Jamie Carragher on punditry, co-comms and surviving in the Sky Sports spotlight

Welcome to Episode 3 of the Covering Liverpool: Tales From The Press Box podcast.

And it’s a belter, this one. After the success of Episodes 1 & 2 with Paul Gorst and James Pearce, I thought I’d better up the ante and draft in somebody with a Champions League winners medal!

Jamie Carragher made more than 700 appearances for Liverpool as a player, but now he is just as known for his straight talking and in-depth analysis on Sky Sports, where his sharp eye, sharper tongue and his partnership with Gary Neville has made Monday Night Football an essential watch. 

In this episode, Jamie discusses that transition from playing into punditry, and why looking back he can see he was always destined for a career in the media. He reveals the advice he was given when taking the plunge, the initial struggles to strike the right balance (and get to grips with the technology!) and his constant battle to stay on top of new tactical trends in the game.

He lifts the lid on a few awkward encounters he’s had with players disappointed with his criticism - including a memorable one in Australia with Daniel Sturridge - and explains how he deals with the scrutiny, and the criticism, which comes with being a well-known TV personality. 

He also opens up on THAT talkSPORT phone-in with Adrian Durham, provides a fascinating insight into his weekend work routine, and reveals his all-time favourite MNF guest. I reckon you’ll be able to guess that one, to be honest! 

I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed recording it. Thanks to Jamie for being so generous with his time, and thanks to the guys at The Anfield Wrap, particularly Ash, for lending their space and expertise. It’s enormously appreciated.

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