Slot Blames Liverpool Forward for Breakdown in Transitions During PSV Defeat
Liverpool’s ongoing problems in transition have taken centre stage again following the heavy defeat to PSV, and Arne Slot’s latest explanation has shed more light on why things unravelled so badly at Anfield.
Speaking to CBS Sports Golazo, Slot rejected the idea that PSV were vastly superior in transitional moments throughout the match, saying the first-half performance was much closer to what he expects from his side.
“I really liked how we reacted in transition during the first half,” he said. “Almost every time we regained possession, we were able to keep them pinned in their own half.”
However, his assessment shifted sharply when discussing the second half, where Liverpool’s structure fell apart.
“There were phases in the second half where we just couldn’t do it, especially right after the restart,” Slot admitted. “I kept thinking, ‘What’s wrong with Hugo?’ It looked like he couldn’t move the way he did earlier.”
Slot then revealed that the French attacker had been struggling physically almost from the start.
“He told me that within the first five or ten minutes he already felt his back tightening. That’s why he had to come off.”
Ekitike injury raises fresh concerns
The revelation offers new insight into the performance, especially given Sky Sports’ live commentary praise that “Ekitike has justified his inclusion with a lively display,” moments before he was withdrawn.
His injury now increases the burden on Alexander Isak, who came on again but failed to make an impact, continuing a tough bedding-in period for the new signing.
Other problems can’t be ignored either, including Milos Kerkez’s display, with Adebayo Akinfenwa posting on X: “I’m sorry but Kerkez needs to do & be better. It’s really not good enough.”
Those criticisms reflect the statistics showing this is Liverpool’s worst run since 1953.
Slot’s comments highlight a deeper structural issue
While Slot’s reasoning is understandable, it also exposes how vulnerable Liverpool’s system becomes when one piece of the pressing chain breaks down.
If Ekitike is ruled out — and with Isak still searching for rhythm — Liverpool risk losing one of their few forwards who consistently stretches opponents and leads the press.
With Kerkez under scrutiny and several key players badly out of form, the overall level must rise quickly.
Slot emphasised that Liverpool did a lot right in the first half — more than many critics acknowledged — but the collapse after the interval remains a major worry ahead of the clash with West Ham.
