Arne Slot Urged to Make Major Liverpool Decision

Liverpool may be defending champions under Arne Slot, yet familiar cracks have appeared in defence. Credit to TalkSPORT for highlighting comments from former Premier League manager Alan Pardew, who believes the Reds’ inconsistency stems from constant rotation in the full-back areas. His solution is simple. Bring Andy Robertson back into the side.

Full-Back Instability Causing Unease

Liverpool returned from the international break sitting second in the table after a late defeat to Chelsea. It was already their second league loss in seven games, compared to only four across the entire title-winning 2024-25 season. That regression has been caused by uncertainty at the back.

Slot has favoured tactical experimentation, selecting different combinations almost weekly. Pardew questioned the logic of tearing up a functioning blueprint. Speaking on TalkSPORT’s Final Word show, he said, “They (Liverpool) haven’t really played one great game, I don’t think,” before adding, “He (Slot) has made a lot of changes. They have got great talent in and around the team.”

The biggest concern has been the full-back carousel. With Milos Kerkez brought in last summer, Robertson has started only twice all season. “I think changing the two full-backs – Andy Robertson has been absolutely brilliant this week for Scotland – has been an issue. I think they’ve not looked as good at the back,” Pardew declared. It is difficult to argue. The Scotland captain has never let Liverpool down, yet finds himself displaced despite still performing at international level.

On the opposite flank, the situation borders on chaotic. Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and even Dominik Szoboszlai, a midfielder by trade, have all lined up at right-back. Rotating in midfield is one thing. Rotating your entire defensive width is quite another.

Salah Still Searching for Spark

Another headline topic was Mohamed Salah’s dip in output. Six goal contributions in ten games would be respectable for most forwards, but for the Egyptian it represents a lull. Pardew was confident that a statement performance is imminent, particularly with Manchester United looming. “Mo (Salah) obviously hasn’t hit the heights since he’s signed the new contract… I think he’ll come roaring back and I think Liverpool will win that game. It’ll be a great game to watch and I’m looking forward to it.”

History supports his optimism. Salah has built a career out of responding when his form is questioned. Slot will need him firing again if Liverpool are to regain their early-season rhythm.

Manchester United Clash Offers Perfect Reset

Slot now prepares for a crucial test at Anfield against familiar rivals. Manchester United have only beaten Liverpool once in the league since March 2018. Pardew’s faith in Liverpool recovering in that game feels well-placed, but only if stability returns to key positions. Whether Slot agrees with his assessment could shape the coming weeks.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool supporters admire innovation, but they also value loyalty to proven performers. While Milos Kerkez is clearly talented, leaving Robertson on the bench after years of world-class consistency feels unnecessary. If a title-winning defence is not broken, why fix it?

Most fans would welcome a return to a settled back four. The best Liverpool sides under Klopp and now Slot have always thrived on cohesion. Robertson bombing forward with Salah and Díaz ahead of him is a relationship built over time, muscle memory at elite speed. That understanding does not vanish overnight.

As for Salah, concern is minimal. His standards are so high that even average runs spark debate. A goal against United would silence doubts instantly. Slot has achieved the remarkable already by winning the league in his first season. Now the challenge is evolution, not revolution. Bring Robertson back, back Salah to respond and allow this Liverpool side to rediscover its groove through familiarity, not experimentation.

If Slot steadies his selection hand, Liverpool will remain favourites for back-to-back titles.