Liverpool’s recent slump has sparked serious concerns as the Reds suffer four consecutive defeats across competitions, dropping from Premier League leaders to fourth place. Former England striker Wayne Rooney has noted some worrying changes in manager Arne Slot’s approach, while pundit Troy Deeney has criticized key Liverpool forwards for prioritizing personal glory over teamwork.
Liverpool’s Form Crisis Continues Amidst Pressure on Slot
Liverpool’s downturn took another hit on Sunday at Anfield, where they were narrowly defeated 2-1 by fierce rivals Manchester United. Despite a high-intensity battle filled with chances on both sides, the visitors capitalized early through Bryan Mbeumo and sealed the win late via a Harry Maguire header, following a spirited equalizer from Cody Gakpo.
Manager Arne Slot threw everything he had at United in the second half but could not convert opportunities, with defensive lapses proving costly. The defeat highlights the mounting pressure on the Dutch coach, who is navigating an unfamiliar run of poor results.
Rooney Highlights Slot’s Growing Frustration and Liverpool’s Key Absences
On The Wayne Rooney Show, the former striker revealed signs of unease in Slot’s demeanor, noting that the manager’s sideline disputes with officials marked a new chapter in his career. “This is the first time he’s lost four games consecutively,” Rooney observed. “You can see the pressure mounting, and it’s showing.”
Rooney also emphasized how much Liverpool miss Trent Alexander-Arnold’s presence, pointing to the challenge of integrating new signings like Isak and Kerkez, who have struggled to adapt. “Liverpool are a massive club globally, but the new players are finding it tough, and it’s a huge test for Slot,” he said.
Deeney Slams Liverpool’s Attackers Over Ego Issues
Meanwhile, ex-forward Troy Deeney took aim at Liverpool’s frontline, specifically Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, and Florian Wirtz. Speaking on Match of the Day 2, Deeney accused the trio of harboring an “ego problem,” suggesting they focus too much on individual goals rather than collective success.
“They need to relax and think about the team first,” Deeney explained. “They’ve all been the star players at their previous clubs, but now there’s a need to balance egos, especially with Salah being the main man at Liverpool.”
What Lies Ahead for Liverpool?
The Reds face a critical juncture as they attempt to reverse their fortunes and reclaim their place atop the Premier League. Slot’s young managerial career is under scrutiny, and with internal dynamics between star players potentially affecting performance, Liverpool must find harmony on and off the pitch to stop the slide.
