Liverpool manager Arne Slot has offered a frank assessment of his side’s recent struggles, admitting that opponents have started to find effective ways to nullify his side’s attacking pace.
Speaking after another frustrating result, the Dutch coach reflected on the tactical challenges his side faced and admitted his players had not yet adapted quickly enough to the strategies used against them.
The Reds were beaten by Brentford in their last Premier League match. This defeat becomes the fourth consecutive defeat in the championship.
Although Mohamed Salah returned to his goal-scoring form in the match against Brentford, which was the only positive of the match for Slot, his team was beaten by a determined Brentford side who constantly threatened Liverpool’s defense and crushed them in midfield.
Arne Slot highlighted difficult away matches
Slot also pointed to a string of demanding away matches as a contributing factor, although he was quick to clarify that was no excuse.
While Liverpool’s football has often been free-flowing and dominant, recent matches have highlighted a growing trend, with teams sitting deep, closing down central passing lanes and hitting back on the counter-attack.
He said, as reported by Fabrizio Romano:
“Teams have a certain style of play against us, which is a very good strategy to play against us. And we haven’t found an answer yet.”
Liverpool need solutions, not excuses
His comments show both respect for opponents’ preparation and recognition that Liverpool need to evolve tactically.
The manager’s comment on Liverpool’s busy travel schedule: “It’s no excuse, but playing so many away games hasn’t helped,” hints at the impact of fatigue, both physical and mental.
Several of Liverpool’s recent matches have been away from home, including tough trips to Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Brentford.
Although fatigue and match congestion have played their part, Slot remains firmly focused on finding solutions rather than excuses.
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