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Liverpool’s Alarming Decline: Gary Neville Voices Serious Concerns
Gary Neville has expressed deep unease over Liverpool’s rapid and severe slump in form, describing the current situation as “unacceptable” for manager Arne Slot. The Reds have endured six losses in their last seven Premier League matches, including a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, marking their poorest start to a league campaign since 2014.
Leadership Calls for Accountability Amidst Crisis
Captain Virgil van Dijk has urged his teammates to engage in self-reflection, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility. Meanwhile, Slot has acknowledged his own role in the team’s struggles, noting that Liverpool have lost half of their league fixtures this season and are trailing by 13 points compared to the same stage last year.
Neville’s Analysis: Urgent Changes Required
On his podcast, Neville highlighted the unusual speed and intensity of Liverpool’s decline. “A minor setback is losing a game or two, but when defeats pile up to three or four, action must be taken,” he stated. He criticized the current defensive setup, pointing out that players like Milos Kerkez and Ibrahima Konate are underperforming.
Neville suggested tactical adjustments, such as deploying Joe Gomez at right-back and Andy Robertson at left-back within a more compact back four, advocating for a pragmatic approach to stabilize the defense. He also stressed the importance of focusing on fundamental aspects like rest, nutrition, and recovery to improve individual performances.
Slot’s Early Success and the Pressure to Adapt
Despite a remarkable debut season where Slot led Liverpool to the Premier League title following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, Neville believes the Dutch coach now faces tough decisions to halt the downward spiral. “Slot has earned significant goodwill, but the current run is unsustainable,” Neville remarked. “Liverpool’s expectations are high-they anticipate winning trophies, not losing six out of seven matches.”
He added that while Slot is a manager of great quality, he must implement changes and possibly make difficult personnel choices to revive the team’s fortunes. The players, too, must elevate their performances to avoid a deepening crisis.
Key Players’ Underwhelming Contributions
Insight from Laura Hunter at Anfield:
While Nottingham Forest’s Murillo stood out with a commanding display, Liverpool’s star performers were largely invisible. Mohamed Salah, who began the match brightly, faded quickly, with Federico Chiesa generating more expected goals (xG) despite playing significantly fewer minutes. Alexander Isak’s performance was particularly disappointing; he lost all seven duels he contested and became the first Liverpool player in the Premier League era to lose each of his first four starts.
Alexis Mac Allister squandered Liverpool’s only clear scoring opportunity before Forest’s opening goal, a moment that could have altered the game’s trajectory. The Anfield crowd’s patience wore thin as the match progressed, frustrated by a team that dominated possession (74%) yet conceded three goals. Liverpool’s defensive frailties were exposed, with midfielders forced to cover defensive roles, highlighting tactical and personnel issues.
Urgent Need for Strategic Overhaul
The situation has escalated from a crisis to a full-blown catastrophe, with no signs of improvement. Slot must conduct a thorough evaluation of the team’s shortcomings and devise a robust plan to arrest the decline. Without swift intervention, Liverpool risk one of the most disappointing title defenses in Premier League history.
Upcoming Fixtures: A Chance for Redemption
- November 26: PSV Eindhoven (Home) – Champions League
- November 30: West Ham United (Away) – Premier League, live on Sky Sports
- December 3: Sunderland (Home) – Premier League, live on Sky Sports
- December 6: Leeds United (Away) – Premier League, live on Sky Sports
- December 9: Inter Milan (Away) – Champions League
These upcoming matches present critical opportunities for Liverpool to regain momentum and restore confidence. The team’s ability to respond under pressure will be pivotal in determining whether they can salvage their season.
