Gary Neville Calls for Liverpool to Reassess Defensive Strategy Amidst Struggles
In a recent episode of The Gary Neville Podcast, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville urged Liverpool manager Arne Slot to reconsider his choice of left-back, Milos Kerkez, following a string of disappointing performances. The Premier League champions have faced a challenging period, suffering four consecutive league defeats, with their latest setback occurring on Saturday evening—a 3-2 loss to Brentford. Slot referred to this match as the worst performance of his tenure at Anfield.
Since late September, Liverpool has struggled to secure a league win, facing losses against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and Manchester United. These results have raised significant concerns regarding the team’s trajectory.
Neville emphasized the need for decisive changes to strengthen a defense that appears increasingly vulnerable. He noted, “There have been several games where Liverpool could have clinched victory if they had capitalized on their chances. Earlier in the season, the full-backs seemed off form, but with Van Dijk and Alisson in the lineup, they were able to hold things together. However, the issues are now spreading, and I believe Kerkez has become a liability.”
In addition to concerns about Kerkez, Neville spotlighted the right side of the defense, particularly the inexperience of Conor Bradley and the attacking tendencies of Jeremie Frimpong. “I’m also concerned about the right-back position,” he stated. “While I support Bradley’s inclusion because of his talent, it’s challenging when the team is conceding goals under pressure.”
Neville likened Liverpool’s current defensive disarray to phases experienced during Sir Alex Ferguson’s era at Manchester United when even the strongest teams occasionally lost their structural integrity. He reflected, “We had periods where we seemed to concede goals at will, yet we always looked capable of scoring. Ferguson would adapt our formation, sometimes deploying players in unfamiliar roles to create a more solid foundation.”
Despite the defensive woes, Neville maintains that Liverpool possesses ample attacking prowess to turn their fortunes around. He highlighted key players like Salah, Ekitike, Wirtz, Gakpo, and Chiesa, asserting, “These attackers will consistently find the net. It’s crucial for the seven players behind them, along with the goalkeeper, to minimize conceding goals.”
Neville suggested that Slot may need to "simplify" his tactical approach to regain stability. “If he continues to field Kerkez and Bradley without adjustments, the team will continue to struggle,” he warned. “While he may not appear to be panicking, deep down, he knows changes are imperative to break this pattern of poor results.”
Following this defeat, Liverpool finds itself in seventh place in the league, trailing four points behind leaders Arsenal. With an upcoming Carabao Cup match against Crystal Palace at Anfield on Wednesday, the team has a swift opportunity to respond to mounting criticism and regain momentum.
In summary, as Liverpool navigates this challenging phase, it’s crucial for Arne Slot to reevaluate his defensive strategies and make necessary adjustments to restore confidence in the squad.
