NextSport Transfers – Liverpool’s season is spiraling downwards, and manager Arne Slot is under increasing pressure to turn things around. The latest setback came in the form of a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United, extending their losing streak to four games. The Anfield faithful are growing restless as their team struggles to replicate last season’s title-winning form.
Anfield Woes Mount For Klopp’s Successor
The loss against Manchester United was particularly painful, as it was a home defeat against a team that Liverpool would typically expect to beat. This loss follows similar defeats to Chelsea and Crystal Palace, leaving the Reds languishing in fourth place in the Premier League table. More concerning than the league position is the lackluster performance on the pitch, with Slot struggling to find a winning formula.
Despite the recent setbacks, Liverpool has an opportunity to break their losing streak in their upcoming Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt. However, their previous European match ended in a 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray, highlighting the challenges they face in continental competition.
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Kerkez Under Fire Early Days At Anfield
Milos Kerkez, the summer signing brought in to bolster the left-back position, is already facing scrutiny. According to reports from the Mirror, his performances have been far from convincing, and he is struggling to justify his place in the starting eleven ahead of Andy Robertson.
Nicol Slams Kerkez Impact On Team
Former Liverpool player Steve Nicol has been particularly critical of Kerkez, suggesting that the team does not trust him. Nicol stated on ESPN that Kerkez’s presence in the team is negatively impacting the defense, particularly Virgil van Dijk, and that his hesitation on the ball is slowing down the team’s attacking play.
Nicol went on to argue that Slot needs to take Kerkez out of the starting lineup to bring in a more solid and reliable player who the team can trust. He believes that Kerkez’s struggles are affecting the entire team’s performance, making it easier for opponents to defend against them. "The fact that Kerkez is affecting the whole team, again, is one of the reasons why you have to get him out, get somebody solid in that everybody trusts and knows what they’re going to get," Nicol explained.
Gravenberch Injury Adds To Liverpool’s Problems
Adding to Liverpool’s woes is an injury to midfielder Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutchman sustained an ankle injury during the defeat against Manchester United and was forced to be substituted. His absence will be a blow to Slot’s tactical plans, as Gravenberch has been a key player in the team’s midfield.
Carragher’s Tactical Solution Wirtz VS Gakpo
Jamie Carragher has weighed in on Liverpool’s attacking struggles, suggesting that Slot needs to find a way to integrate Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike into the starting lineup. The club spent a significant amount of money on these players, but they have yet to play together as a cohesive unit.
Carragher likened Slot’s situation to that of a Real Madrid manager, who is often tasked with integrating big-money signings into the team. He suggested that Slot should take a leaf out of Carlo Ancelotti’s book and adapt his tactics to accommodate his best players. Carragher even suggested benching Cody Gakpo to make way for the new signings. "Isak and Ekitike at some stage, he’s got to try and make it work," Carragher stated on Monday Night Football.
