Liverpool manager Arne Slott has been heavily criticized for his tactical approach during Wednesday night’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to PSG, with former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson claiming the Dutchman “protected his team’s weaknesses” rather than playing to their strengths.
Reeling from their 15th defeat of the season, the Reds arrived at the Parc des Princes looking to bounce back from a humiliating 4-0 loss to Man City, but instead produced another uninspiring performance.
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Arne Slott slams Liverpool’s defense for setting up
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Robinson expressed regret at Slott’s decision to abandon Liverpool’s traditional attacking identity in favor of a conservative back five.
he said:
“It was a matchup between our champion and their champion, and our champion wasn’t even close.
“Obviously Liverpool are not in good form and their confidence is very low. They are a shaky team so why did they play a back five? As soon as they played a back five it sent me the wrong signal.”
Robinson claimed that the change in tactics had a direct impact on PSG’s hands.
“They failed to take advantage of Liverpool’s strengths and defended their weaknesses. Hakimi, Mendes, Kvaratschelia and Due-Arne Slott knew the problems the team would have in the wide areas. By solidifying their defence, they invited pressure on PSG’s wingers rather than forcing them to retreat.”
The irony of this setting was not lost on observers. Slott has previously been vocal about his preference for “the best football to watch” and even subtly criticized the “low block” philosophy of defence, often seen in managers such as Jose Mourinho.
However, at the Parc des Princes, Liverpool were unable to register a single shot on target, and were constantly aiming for the “parked bus” that Slott once claimed to have avoided.
Is the era of Arneslot over?
With the team trailing 2-0 and the second leg at Anfield looming, the mood on Merseyside is becoming increasingly grim.
The rift between manager and fans is at its peak, and his frantic tactical experiments suggest a manager who has lost his way.
Slott’s last chance to salvage his season was dealt a huge blow with a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will sack Slott now and bring in someone like Steven Gerrard as caretaker manager, or let the Dutchman see out the season.
