LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager Arne Slot is facing increasing pressure after two consecutive defeats that have exposed the team’s weaknesses and raised questions about the balance of The Reds’ squad this season.
Liverpool, who started the season with seven consecutive wins, lost 0-1 to Crystal Palace before losing again when they travelled to Galatasaray in the Champions League after Victor Osimhen’s first-half penalty was the deciding factor.
Despite dominating the match with 16 attempts on goal, Liverpool failed to score, raising concerns about the direction of Slot’s team.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool’s problems are not just the defeat itself, but rather have been evident since the start of the season.
“He (Florian Wirtz) is not going to be a success at all. He is a young player, just coming to a new league and there is still a long way to go. But for now, he needs to be removed from the starting lineup.
“Liverpool need to get back to last season’s form, rebuild their confidence and tidy up their defence. Right now they’re a bit of a mess,” said Carragher.
The previous club made a major overhaul with spending of almost 450 million pounds including bringing in Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for 116 million pounds and Alexander Isak for 125 million pounds.
However, neither of them have made a big impact apart from Hugo Ekitike who only scored three league goals but was suspended after being shown a red card.
Liverpool’s problems also involved the defensive line as Ibrahima Konate received heavy criticism while young centre-back Giovanni Leoni suffered a serious knee injury on his debut.
Slot, who also lost first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker due to injury, now faces a tough challenge ahead of a tough match against Chelsea this weekend.