Carragher is desperate for the Reds to win the Champions League

The Reds, who have experienced a dip in form in the Premier League, were dumped out of the FA Cup at the hands of Championship side Barnsley at Anfield.

Carragher, 30, said: "I wouldn't call it just a bad spell - it's been longer.

"We realise we are not playing well enough. It's not a matter of putting your finger on one reason. It's simply because we have not been good enough."

Liverpool have picked up only eight points in seven league games leaving them in fifth spot, 19 points adrift of leaders Arsenal and three points from the fourth Champions League qualifying berth, currently occupied by rivals Everton.

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Former England defender Carragher added: "We've still got Europe to play for and we have to fight for that fourth place, so every league game is going to be important. We have to make sure we are in the Champions League next season."

Rafael Benitez's men face a tough task against Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League knockout match on Tuesday, with the Italian side leading Serie A by 11 points.

"At every club there are ups and downs but we realise we are going to get a lot of criticism in the next few days - and rightly so," stated Carragher.

"We've got a massive game coming up against Inter, so we are going to have to get over this because the Champions League is massive for us now.

"It's the only thing we have left that we can win."