Jim Boardman and Jay Reid return for another episode of Scouser Tommies, reflecting on the international break and previewing the massive return to action: a home clash against Manchester United.
The break has hopefully given everyone, fans, players and the coaching staff, time to maybe reflect on those three straight defeats going into it,, but the focus shifts to how the Reds should bounce back. As always with an international break we wait to see how much damage has been done by the countries lending our players, with Konaté and Gravenberch amongst those spending time in the treatment room. With Mac Allister needlessly playing 90 minutes in friendlies far from home, there are definite worries about player fitness heading into what is a crucial seven-game run before, yes, yet another international break. At least Alexander Izak got some minutes as he continues his belated pre-season.
Jim and Jay get into the debate surrounding summer signings like Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz. Critics are queuing up to claim they are being “misused at Anfield” when compared to their roles for their national teams, but the hosts believe the issue is tactical and not a need for panic. Jay highlights that Kirkez's infield positioning is stifling his "flying fullback" ability and simple tactical tweaks - like a dedicated defensive midfielder to cover the centre-backs - would allow him and others to thrive out wide, as they did at their previous clubs. It’s not just on the left flank where this tweak might make all the difference, with both Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley being used on the other side of the pitch in ways that maybe don’t allow us to see them at their best. The hosts also discuss how this is possible without waiting for the transfer window to open.
Looking ahead to Sunday's fixture, Jay and Jim stress this is the priority game of the season's early run. A match that’s always big is even bigger. They urge manager Arne Slot to disregard his conservative tendencies and implement an aggressive, attack-minded setup from the start. With United expected to line up with three center-backs and probably happy to leave with a 0-0 draw, Liverpool must go for the attack, isolate United's defenders in 1v1 battles, and overpower their midfield to secure not just a win, but a statement performance.sending a message to the league the slump was only a blip.
The players won’t be the only ones under the spotlight - Anfield has a job to do too. A late kick-off gives every Red time to get fully fired up, and the ground needs to be electric from the first whistle.
And as always, when local rivals provide comic relief, Jim and Jay can’t resist. The duo have a laugh at Everton’s latest thin-skinned response to Lee Dixon’s comments - proving that when it comes to complaining, the Blues are still world-class.
