Former Liverpool Defends Arne Slot Despite Recent Struggles
It has been a far from ideal season so far for Liverpool, currently sitting 4th in the Premier League table and already knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
Even despite an eleven-game unbeaten run across all competitions, the Reds are still far below the expectations rightly placed on them.
For many supporters, faith is yet to be fully restored from the abysmal run back in Autumn where Liverpool lost nine out of twelve games.
However, former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock, speaking to Anfield Index, has defended Slot and the team’s recent performances…
Depth the Real Problem for Liverpool
When asked what the main problem with the Reds is currently, Warnock was keen to point towards a squad issue rather then a management problem.
“I think there has been a few times recently where we have seen a real collective fight and up-turn in form from the players,” said Warnock. “I think what we have seen more in recent games has been the lack of depth on the bench and the lack of options.”
“I think young Rio Ngumoha will feel a little bit frustrated that he’s not getting much game time,” continued Warnock.
Liverpool have struggled massively with absences lately. Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Alexander Isak are all sidelined with long-term injuries. Both Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike have recently struggled with fitness, whilst Mohamed Salah is also away at AFCON with Egypt.
But even despite this, 17-year-old Ngumoha has barely had a sniff of first-team football, other than the FA Cup Third Round win against Barnsley.
Liverpool ‘Believe’ in Slot
“Liverpool believe in their man and believe that he can turn things around,” continued Warnock. “I’m not sure there’s many managers in football who have had to deal with what he has, both on and off the pitch.”
“He spent heavily in the summer and brought in a lot of new faces, and now he’s trying to make it work.”
Patience might be needed for the rest of this season as Slot tries to discover the next level for this Liverpool side.
But whilst results have improved, fans will be looking for much more in terms of performances between now and the end of the season.
