Dion Dublin pulls no punches after the 4-0 Man City rout, accusing the players of “hiding” and dodging responsibility at the Etihad. With the squad reportedly “scared,” pressure mounts on FSG to pull the trigger on Arne Slot.
Liverpool head into their Champions League quarterfinal tie against Paris Saint Germain under mounting pressure.
The Reds were humiliated at the Etihad on the weekend, as they were beaten 4-0 by Manchester City.in the Emirates FA Cup quarter final
On 5 Live, former Premier League striker Dion Dublin criticised the players for not stepping up when needed.
He said, “A lot of those Liverpool players didn’t want the responsibility of the ball, of making a decision and making things happen.”
He continued.
“What we used to call ‘hiding’ because they don’t really want the ball, because the pressure is then on them.”
Liverpool season unravelling
With a poor showing in the Carabao Cup, losing 3-0 at Anfield to Crystal Palace and a feeble attempt at retaining the Premier League, the only hope of silverware left for Arne Slot’s side this season was the FA Cup and Champions League.
There was hope that the Anfield outfit could reach the semi-finals of the competition, but that wasn’t the case.
Reds captain Virgil Van Dijk even admitted they ‘gave up’ during the game, which has become a major talking point within the fanbase.
Dublin was quick to point this out, and if they are to have any hope of lifting the European Cup in May, they will have to put it out of their minds.
“They are a lot better than what we’ve seen today. However, to get embarrassed like they did today by their nearest rivals is going to stick with them. They are going to have to forget it pretty sharpish with the game they’ve got coming up soon.”
This is the third time Pep Guardiola’s City have beaten the Merseyside club this season, the first time Cityzens have beaten the Reds three times in a row since 1935-37.
A period of change at Anfield
Late spring and throughout the summer seem to be a period of transition at Anfield, which will dictate the way the club moves forward.
Mohamed Salah has already confirmed he will be leaving at the end of the season, after nine incredible seasons in Red. They will be big shoes to fill for any incoming winger.
Following Saturday’s game, there are reports claiming that a failure to make their way past PSG, or even Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, may mean the end for the Dutch manager.
Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has been the manager linked to the role if Slot is sacked, which results in new staff and likely new players to match his system.
Ibrahima Konate’s contract at the club comes to an end in July. Reports this morning claim he may be staying at the club, but there is no definite answer at this stage.
There was plenty of optimism on Merseyside heading into the season, and why wouldn’t there have been? Winning their 20th league title, narrowly missing out on the Carabao Cup, and adding quality players like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have provided a lot of hope, with the idea of potential success on the cusp.
That has not been the road the Reds have taken, with the next four months being imperative to Liverpool’s success, not just next season, but over the course of the next several years.
Dublin claimed players were ‘hiding’ so it’s their job to give it their all on Wednesday, but the confidence on the pitch, in the dugout and in the stands appears shot, and a rude awakening could be in store once again in France.
