It’s un-Liverpool-like.” Club legend Sammy Lee delivers a scathing critique of the Reds current approach under Arne Slot.
Liverpool have had a difficult season under Arne Slot, with the Reds only real chance of silverware coming in the FA Cup or Champions League, with tough tests awaiting them after the international break.
On the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, former Liverpool midfielder Sammy Lee said, ‘something’s got to change’ in response to the season.
With seven league games to go, Slot’s side are still unsure whether they will qualify for the Champions League next season, and they could potentially miss out on Europe altogether if results don’t pick up.
There has been a lot of criticism of the Dutch manager in recent months, with news this week suggesting his role is under scrutiny, with Xabi Alonso reportedly waiting in the wings.
Lee’s critical of the Reds setup
Lee spent a decade at Anfield as a player, where he won six league titles, and fifth the lowest finish during that period.
The 68-year-old continued to work alongside the Merseyside outfit following his retirement as a reserve manager and two stints as an assistant manager.
He has experience that very few others have at the club, which makes him believe what he is currently seeing from Slot’s troops isn’t traditional at the club.
“We’re Liverpool Football Club; we don’t do that. Something’s got to change, you know what I mean?”
The former midfielder continued.
“One thing that is so un-Liverpool-like is 26 out of 31 games we’ve been out-run, it’s so un-Liverpool-like.”
This has been a talking point throughout the season at Anfield, with sections of the fanbase growing frustrated through Slot’s tactical approach to games, which sees Liverpool lack the pressing intensity they did during the title-winning campaign.
Fans have voiced their opinion about Slot’s failures this season, which has left supporters wondering if his future lies at Anfield after the season ends.
Managerial or player issues?
It’s no secret that Liverpool have been far below their standards this season, as they currently find themselves in fifth, but that could soon be worse with tough fixtures ahead and local rivals Everton three points behind.
Liverpool supporters have been torn between whether it’s a structural issue with the manager or whether the players aren’t up to the job.
Injuries and poor performances have clearly had an effect on the squad this season, with marquee signing Alexander Isak being out of action since December with a broken fibula.
There is no doubt that this has altered the manager’s plans for the season, but he hasn’t helped himself.
In the last four Premier League games, Slot’s team have dropped points; they have conceded late goals in three of them.
Add Lee’s point about Liverpool being outrun, and it raises the question about whether they were ever equipped to defend their title with the fitness plan and tactical style.
