Liverpool’s Struggles Exposed as Sammy Lee and Andy Robertson Highlight Core Issue
Liverpool’s latest defeat to Brentford has prompted fresh scrutiny over Arne Slot’s side, with one glaring problem identified by both a club legend and a senior player. Former midfielder Sammy Lee believes Liverpool have forgotten one of football’s most basic principles — winning second balls — a flaw that has contributed heavily to their recent poor run of form.
Sammy Lee’s Concern over Liverpool’s Fundamentals
Liverpool’s 3-2 loss to Brentford flattered them. Despite the narrow margin, the hosts controlled large spells of the game, repeatedly cutting through Liverpool’s midfield and exploiting their disorganisation. It was a fourth consecutive league defeat, and as pressure mounts on Slot, Lee’s comments underline how deep some of the problems may run.
Speaking to LFCTV, Lee didn’t hold back in his assessment. “Apart from Szoboszlai, we lost almost every second ball,” he said. “We’re on the attack, they clear the ball, and then they win it and counter against us. Long balls and second balls we very rarely won, and it is a basic principle of football.”
It’s a damning reflection of a team once defined by its intensity. Under previous management, Liverpool prided themselves on being first to every loose ball. Now, the energy and sharpness that once terrified opponents appear to have faded.
How Losing Second Balls Is Undermining Liverpool’s Game
Football matches are often won not only through tactical brilliance but also through reaction speed and desire — elements embodied in winning second balls. When a clearance or deflection drops between players, that moment determines whether a team retains control or cedes it.
Against Brentford, Liverpool consistently came out second best in those exchanges. Every time they tried to press high, Brentford broke lines with direct passes, knowing that Liverpool’s midfield would be slow to react. Once the first duel was lost, the second phase — those scrappy moments that define rhythm and territory — became Brentford’s playground.
This weakness has been apparent for several weeks. Teams have identified it, adjusting their approach to force Liverpool into physical battles they no longer seem eager to fight. Slot’s side are being undone by the very aggression and focus they once mastered.
Robertson Echoes Lee’s Assessment
After the final whistle, Andy Robertson’s honesty cut through the noise. The vice-captain admitted that Liverpool’s intensity was simply not at the required level.
“You can’t come to Brentford away and just expect to play them off the park because they are always going to be ready to fight,” he told LFCTV. “They’re always going to be ready to put bodies in the box when it comes to set pieces, put the balls in behind, pick up second balls. You know what you’re going to come to, here.”
Robertson added: “It felt to me like we were just a yard off it in terms of that. They picked up so many second balls, and then the balls in behind. Our backline are running back to try and head the ball, which is so difficult as it is.”
His words reflected a growing concern inside the dressing room — that Liverpool’s commitment in key duels is no longer matching their tactical ambition.
Slot’s Task to Restore Liverpool’s Edge
As Liverpool prepare for a demanding run of fixtures, Slot faces the challenge of reintroducing intensity, energy, and urgency to his team. Winning second balls might sound simple, but as Lee and Robertson have made clear, it’s a reflection of attitude and togetherness.
Until those basics return, Liverpool will continue to struggle for consistency — no matter how sophisticated their tactical plans may be.
