Arne Slot’s laughable decision has seen Liverpool’s cracks turn into fissures as the Reds were stunned in Europe by Galatasaray on Tuesday evening
Liverpool’s cracks are fast turning into fissures as Arne Slot’s side slipped to a second successive defeat.
The Reds have often relied on late drama to bail them out this season, with fortune smiling when needed most. But their luck ran dry at the weekend, when Crystal Palace dished out a dose of Liverpool’s own medicine at Selhurst Park.
Tuesday was supposed to be the chance to steady the ship. Instead, the performance was more of the same – sluggish, sloppy, and riddled with the same issues that have haunted Slot’s side this season start.
However, it was Slot’s decision to play Dominik Szoboszlai at right back and not Frimpong that really cost Liverpool against Galatasaray.
In the opening exchanges Szoboszlai he has been attacked twice, done for pace and then gave away a penalty – which Victor Osimhen converted with his usual coolness.
“Look, this Szoboszlai right back must stop. What an inefficient way to use one of our creative attacking threats,” one fan fumed.
“Arne Slot must be mad to still be playing Szoboszlai at right back at 61 minutes, and leaving Frimpong on. Total rubbish,” a second said. As another posted: “This Szoboszlai at right back nonsense needs to be consigned to the history books!”
And another added: “With Bradley and Frimpong fit, why are we starting Szoboszlai right back?”
However, for Liverpool and Slot, the bigger concern might be Florian Wirtz. After falling behind early doors, Liverpool needed their £100-plus-million-man to step up and dictate the game.
Wirtz can be forgiven in the Premier League – the transition from the Bundesliga has been proved to take time – but there can be no such excuse in the Champions League.
He was again silent, giving away the ball in midfield and offering very little going forwards.
There was a moment when Liverpool thought they had yet another late chance to work their way back into the game.
Ibrahima Konate had been deemed to have been fouled in the box – but after a VAR check it was overturned.
It’s Chelsea next for Liverpool, before a clash with bitter rivals Manchester United.
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