Arne Slot‘s decision to start a back five at the home of the European champions spoke a lot about his confidence as his setup was the antithesis of his ‘style’, say Liverpool fans.
In the biggest game of the season, Liverpool’s under-pressure head coach turned to three centre-backs with a defensive block and hopes of capitalising on a long throw or set-piece.
It is at odds with his coaching philosophy, with Slot even stressing the approach hurt his “football heart” earlier in the campaign and that he doesn’t have time to train it.
The Reds conceded within the first 11 minutes, had 26 percent possession in the first half and did not register a shot; in the second half, they mustered 25 percent, had three shots and were fortunate to leave with a 2-0 scoreline.
Much like Brendan Rodgers when the clock was ticking on his tenure, Liverpool fans were flummoxed by what was being asked of the players on the biggest stage.
“Well, we always had the Champions League this season as the one competition where we’ve looked half decent and now we don’t even have that, we look as toothless in the CL as we do in the league.” – JayCee in TIA comments.
“Slot clueless against this lot again. Again they should have scored 5. Again they could have had a couple pens. We created nothing. Embarrassing.” – kusanagi in TIA comments.
When you have Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk advancing into midfield, it sums up the confusion and lack of identity currently present at Liverpool.
The more confounding part of it is that for the last year, Slot has sung the praises of PSG and the tie being his idea of football, and yet this is what was served up.
Liverpool were once feared in Europe, they are now the ones responding in such a manner. We are fortunate the return to Anfield is with only a two-goal deficit.
