Liverpool, Slot and Wenger: A Tactical Dispute With Broader Implications
Arne Slot’s response to recent criticism has added an intriguing layer to Liverpool’s evolving narrative. The contention centres on Florian Wirtz, his £116m arrival and his positional use, and it has brought Arsène Wenger’s pointed remarks into sharp focus. Slot has chosen not to engage in rhetoric, instead framing the debate within the wider tactical project he is building at Anfield.
Wirtz’s Role and Liverpool’s Midfield Dynamics
The former Leverkusen playmaker delivered a sharp performance on the left in Liverpool’s Champions League win against Real Madrid, however his early Premier League form has been less imposing. This has led to external commentary, including Wenger’s claim on beIN Sports that Liverpool had compromised their balance.
His words were stark.
“When Wirtz had the choice between going to Bayern Munich or Liverpool, he said to Liverpool: ‘I come to you if I play No 10. I do not want to play wide.’ Liverpool, to get him, they say OK. They started him and they destroyed their midfield, which was [Ryan] Gravenberch, [Alexis] Mac Allister, [Dominik] Szoboszlai. To play Wirtz, they took Szoboszlai out. What have they done? They have gone back to their midfield of last year.”
His assessment is not without an element of truth, at least structurally. Slot has leaned on last season’s title winning trio in recent matches, restoring fluency and helping secure clean sheets against Aston Villa and La Liga’s leaders. Yet the Liverpool manager maintained that tactical cohesion takes time and cannot rest solely on one individual.
Slot was clear.
“Everyone has a right to his own opinion,” said the Liverpool head coach on Wenger. “We have five or six very good midfielders who can all play together but they need to play more together to get the best out of every single player. Florian needs time to adapt to his teammates and teammates need time to adapt to him. Now he played off the left but I can tell you, if it is not now it is tomorrow, he will have great performances as a midfielder for Liverpool as well.”
Adaptation, Injuries and Squad Management
Wirtz’s introduction into the Premier League has coincided with disruption elsewhere. Injuries to Mac Allister, Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak have forced Slot to rotate more than he prefers. His frustration was evident when he explained the unavoidable nature of these changes.
“There have been obvious reasons why we’ve had to change more than I would like,” he said. “Mac Allister as an example, if you miss out on pre-season then you’re not ready to play three games in seven days. If you do, you will get injuries.
“I’m known as being a manager who prefers not to change, but I couldn’t do anything different to what I did.”
Isak’s return to training offers timely reinforcement ahead of the Manchester City fixture. Slot remains confident that Wirtz, whether operating centrally or as an inverted winger, will develop into a decisive presence.
“What I can say about Florian is that since Xabi Alonso came in [at Leverkusen] he was mainly used in a 3-4-3 system as an inverted winger, where before that he mainly played as a 10. In the national team he plays as an inverted winger as well.”
Outlook for Liverpool’s Creative Core
The debate over Wirtz has become a proxy for wider questions about Liverpool under Slot. The manager emphasised that the priority is creating the right conditions for his creative players to excel.
“For me the only challenge I have is making sure he gets in those positions, as an inverted winger or as a 10, in and around the 18-yard box where his teammates need to find him with the right timing, because then he will always produce special things.”
Liverpool’s evolution under Slot remains a work in progress, influenced by integration, availability and tactical nuance. The conversation with Wenger highlights the scrutiny that comes with being champions, but also underlines how Slot continues to steer the project with clarity and conviction.
