If you had told me at the start of the season, here’s 10 grand, which Premier League result would you bet all of this on; I probably would have put it on Liverpool to beat United at Anfield.
Forget the newly promoted teams fighting for their lives, Amorim’s United have looked like the worst team on the road for some time. And if you told me that Casemiro and Fernadez would be starting in the heart of midfield against Liverpool’s dynamic lineup, while then you may have convinced me to sell my soul. And I would unfortunately be sitting here today, condemned to damnation by Arne Slot’s Reds.
Slot’s Reds have regressed in recent weeks, struggling to assimilate their batch of marquee signings into a title-winning side. But the United clash supposed to bring back the feel-good factor to Anfield. Instead, Slot’s side were relegated to a 4th successive defeat (the first time that has happened to Liverpool since the darker days of the Rodgers era in 2014). Being the cynic that I am, I refuse to believe that this is some dramatic rebirth for the Red Devils. I personally think that I may have underestimated the current issues that Slot faces as Liverpool manager. Below, I’m going to list five quick fixes that could help Slot steady the ship in the upcoming weeks.
1. Go back to the 2024/2025 blueprint
Why did Slot enjoy such an electrifying first campaign as Liverpool manager? He never fully abandoned the Klopp blueprint, instead taking what the German left behind and making minor adjustments here and there. It feels like he has thrown that playbook out of the window this season, opting for dramatic changes that have upset the balance of the squad. Just take the case of Andy Robertson. The stalwart left-back was an integral part of their title-winning campaign last year but has been absolutely frozen out this season, with Slot hellbent on making Kerkez the de-facto No.1. It’s not doing any favours for a clearly out-of-form Kerkez.
2. Listen to Gary Neville!
This one ties into the first point. In his post-match podcast, a beaming Gary Neville suggested that Slot go back to basics, starting Gomez and Robertson in the full-back slots. You could just tell that Carragher- loathe to agree with Neville at the best of times- couldn’t agree more. I just think they could afford to go back to basics for the next few weeks. Joe Gomez could bring the type of physicality that they have been missing down that right-hand side.
3. Get back Gravenberch
This s a slightly complicated one. Bayern castoff Gravenberch was arguably the most improved player in European football last season, transforming into a dynamic defensive midfield option for Slot. Slot has given him a license to thrill this season, empowering him to get into more advanced positions. And he certainly impressed in his initial forays forward, sneaking into my ludicrously early Premier League team of the season a few weeks ago. But his lack of positional discipline was on full display against United, and he needs to become more conscious of his defensive duties in the side. Van Djik and Konate were left with far too much to do with some of those United counterattacks.
4. Give Chiesa more time and drop Salah for upcoming matches
Italian forward Federico Chiesa is another player who has been unfairly ostracized by Slot this season. He has been impactful whenever he has come on for the Reds, with five goal involvements in just 171 minutes of football. He caused chaos in the United backline this weekend, crossing in the ball for Gakpo to temporarily level matters. I think that it’s time that Mo Salah isn’t guaranteed a spot in the starting lineup. Probably one of the ten greatest players in Premier League history, Salah is fresh off another monumental season for the Reds. But the thing with Salah is this: if he isn’t scoring, he isn’t offering much. He barely does any defensive work and becomes an anonymous figure on the pitch. Salah is still an integral part of this side, but I just don’t think he needs to start every game. Give him some rest and throw Chiesa more minutes.
5. Sitck with Wirtz
I think that Slot must be brave and persist with huge summer signing Florian Wirtz. Sure, he is yet to grab a goal or assist. But the most creative playmaker in German football has shown little glimpses of his undeniable talent, playing a little pass through to Chiesa to set up Gakpo’s equalizer against United. I just think that Wirtz- more than Isak- is the player who Slot needs to build this squad around.
