Liverpool\u2019s ongoing problems in transition have taken centre stage again following the heavy defeat to PSV, and Arne Slot\u2019s latest explanation has shed more light on why things unravelled so badly at Anfield.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really liked how we reacted in transition during the first half,\u201d he said. \u201cAlmost every time we regained possession, we were able to keep them pinned in their own half.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, his assessment shifted sharply when discussing the second half, where Liverpool\u2019s structure fell apart.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were phases in the second half where we just couldn\u2019t do it, especially right after the restart,\u201d Slot admitted. \u201cI kept thinking, \u2018What\u2019s wrong with Hugo?\u2019 It looked like he couldn\u2019t move the way he did earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n
Slot then revealed that the French attacker had been struggling physically almost from the start.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe told me that within the first five or ten minutes he already felt his back tightening. That\u2019s why he had to come off.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ekitike injury raises fresh concerns<\/p>\n
The revelation offers new insight into the performance, especially given Sky Sports\u2019 live commentary praise that \u201cEkitike has justified his inclusion with a lively display,\u201d moments before he was withdrawn.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Other problems can\u2019t be ignored either, including Milos Kerkez\u2019s display, with Adebayo Akinfenwa posting on X: \u201cI\u2019m sorry but Kerkez needs to do & be better. It\u2019s really not good enough.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those criticisms reflect the statistics showing this is Liverpool\u2019s worst run since 1953.<\/p>\n
Slot\u2019s comments highlight a deeper structural issue<\/p>\n
While Slot\u2019s reasoning is understandable, it also exposes how vulnerable Liverpool\u2019s system becomes when one piece of the pressing chain breaks down.<\/p>\n
If Ekitike is ruled out \u2014 and with Isak still searching for rhythm \u2014 Liverpool risk losing one of their few forwards who consistently stretches opponents and leads the press.<\/p>\n
With Kerkez under scrutiny and several key players badly out of form, the overall level must rise quickly.<\/p>\n
Slot emphasised that Liverpool did a lot right in the first half \u2014 more than many critics acknowledged \u2014 but the collapse after the interval remains a major worry ahead of the clash with West Ham.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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