For the first time in 18 years, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has had a summer off, having retired from professional football after a stellar career 737 appearances for the Reds.
Not that he used to mind the hard work in pre-season. “I used to love pre-season and getting myself fit,” Carragher says. “It was more the travelling associated with the modern game. Liverpool have been to Australia in pre-season so it’s long way time away from home.
“I’ve had a longer holiday this summer with the family and enjoyed it, so long may that continue.”
Carragher says he is really looking forward to new Premier League season, which kicks-off this Saturday (17 August) and - from a personal point of view – his new role with Sky Sports.
Exciting
“I watch Sky Sports all the time and I’m a huge fan. I can’t wait to be part of their coverage and work with the best in the business. What Sky has done for football for over 20 years is incredible and I’m thrilled to be part of their exciting plans for next season,” he says.
“The three top teams changing managers and bringing new players in is exciting and there will be lots of different things for fans and pundits to talk about.”
Carragher reckons the league title will be decided among the usual suspects; Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd, with perhaps the capital’s top team having the edge.
“With Jose Mourinho coming back as manager that puts Chelsea in a strong position, particularly if they get the striker that they want. Man City have to be happy with their transfer business, their new players have had chance to bed in during pre-season so they are probably most settled.
“Man Utd ran away with league last year but haven’t brought anyone in so at the moment I would say they are third favourites.”
As it was last season, Carragher sees the race for fourth place and the final Champions League slot as an exciting battle.
“I can see three teams going for fourth place; Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool. If Gareth Bale does move on from Spurs you would probably expect Arsenal to be favourites for that, but I’m sure Liverpool will make a better fight of it,” he says.
Carragher is realistic enough to say that fourth place is currently the limit of his former team’s ambitions and admits Liverpool are “nowhere near” a title challenge. “The next best thing is a Champions League place. It would be great if Luis Suarez stays as he’s a world class player and that will help them.”
In terms of the relegation places, Carragher says he expects at least one of the newly promoted trio – Cardiff City, Hull City and Crystal Palace – to go straight back down again, and tips Sunderland, under the combustible leadership of Paolo Di Canio, as the league’s surprise package.
Passion
Carragher owns two sports bars in Liverpool so knows the benefit of creating a great environment for people to watch live sport in.
“In my bars it’s all about the football, bringing people in – often with kids – to watch the match,” he says. “Watching games together in pubs and bars offers a great experience for customers, the passion comes through, particularly in places like Liverpool.”
“If pubs can create a great atmosphere [for watching sport] there’s nothing better than meeting up with mates, having a couple of drinks and watching a game.
"It’s part of Britain’s culture and long may it continue. But it’s also great that we’re incorporating families and kids into that as well."
So will he be spending more time in pubs, watching football and enjoying his retirement? “I won’t be in the bars any more than usual this season, as I have to keep myself trim for TV,” Carragher laughs.
Sky kicks off its biggest ever Premier League season with live coverage of Swansea v Man Utd on Sky Sports 1, Sky 2 and Pick TV on 17 August.