Jamie Carragher suggests Champions League changes

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has put forward a radical change to the Champions League format in order to give the competition a boost.

UEFA president Michel Platini has suggested expanding the tournament to 64 teams, a move that Carragher believes would devalue Europe's premier club competition.

The Reds stopper thinks that a place in the group stages should be earned in a two-legged tie to open the competition in September.

He told the Daily Mail: "Football is always evolving and I understand that new ideas have to be implemented from time to time but increasing the numbers competing in the Champions League is not the way to go.

"My idea would be to strike a balance, keep 32 teams but start things off with a knockout round, with all qualified teams needing a win to get through.

"So this year, for instance, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea would have to have to win through a high-stakes knockout round first. The draw for the knockout stage would be seeded, so you would never get a situation where Barcelona faced Real Madrid."

Carragher is a former Champions League winner, lifting the famous trophy in 2005 after a dramatic victory over AC Milan on penalties.