A shadow hangs over Anfield. Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has delivered a stark assessment of his former club’s current predicament, acknowledging a deeply troubling run of form that demands immediate attention.
Gerrard stopped short of labeling it a full-blown crisis, but his words carried the weight of concern. He warned that the situation could deteriorate further unless manager Arne Slot swiftly establishes control and instills a winning mentality.
The numbers paint a grim picture: nine losses in the last twelve matches across all competitions. This isn’t a momentary slump; it’s a sustained period of underperformance that has shaken the foundations of a club accustomed to success.
“Each defeat, especially the manner of the defeat, you become closer (to a crisis),” Gerrard stated, carefully choosing his words. While hesitant to use the ‘c’ word, he acknowledged the growing pressure and the potential for a prolonged downturn.
He emphasized the club’s recent achievements, reminding observers that a crisis implies years of rebuilding. However, he didn’t shy away from the harsh reality: “That’s not good enough. There’s no excuses for that at this football club.”
The recent 4-1 defeat at home to PSV Eindhoven, following a 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield, served as a brutal wake-up call. Confidence, Gerrard observed, is at an all-time low, and the team appears vulnerable defensively.
A recurring theme is the team’s defensive fragility. They are conceding goals too easily, often appearing “wide open,” and lacking the solidity that once defined them. Without a swift defensive overhaul, the losing streak threatens to continue.
Despite the current despair, Gerrard pointed to the team’s recent Premier League triumph as evidence of their underlying quality. Slot has proven capable of unlocking this potential, suggesting this downturn may not be permanent.
However, concerns are mounting about key players. Virgil van Dijk, once considered an impenetrable force, is reportedly showing signs of decline, while the dip in form of Mohamed Salah is a significant worry for the team’s attacking threat.
Liverpool fans are witnessing a painful reversal of fortune, a stark contrast to the recent era of dominance. The question now is whether Arne Slot can rediscover the formula for success and steer the club back on course before the situation spirals further.
