Manager Curtis Jones has branded Liverpool’s dismal performance “unacceptable” and called for a change in his brutally honest review. The Reds midfielder was visibly devastated and furious after the 4-1 defeat to PSV in the Champions League. Liverpool suffered their ninth loss in their last 12 matches against the Netherlands, as defensive mistakes proved fatal. The loss brought increased scrutiny and added pressure on head coach Arne Slott.
Jones struggled to express his feelings after the Premier League champions capitulated again, but PSV’s strong performance means Liverpool have now scored 10 goals in their last three games. he said: “I don’t know, I don’t have an answer, I’m like everyone else. It’s not acceptable to be honest, like I said, I don’t even have words, I’m past being angry and sad and I’m at the stage where I don’t have words.
“It’s hard to find words. I’m a player and a fan and I see it this way, but I’ve never experienced such bad team play and a result like this.”
“At the end of the day, we still have that badge on our chest and until that badge is gone, we’re always going to fight and take this team to where it needs to be and show why Liverpool are the best team in the world.”
“But for now, we are in a terrible situation and that needs to change.”
Despite their second loss in the competition, Liverpool remains in the Champions League play-off spots. But as the crisis at Anfield deepens, calls for Slott’s sacking have grown louder.
Liverpool struggled again five minutes later when Ivan Perisic converted a penalty after Virgil van Dijk was adjudged to have handled the ball.
Dominik Szoboszlai, who has been one of the Reds’ standout performers this season, gave the home side a boost with a decisive goal after 16 minutes to level the score. Hugo Ekitike, Codi Gakpo and Van Dijk threatened to put Liverpool ahead before half-time.
The momentum continued after half-time, with Alexis Mac Allister and Gakpo creating chances, but moments later Guus Till put PSV back in the lead after a defensive error by Milos Kerkes.
Ibrahima Konate’s unlucky campaign continued as his mistakes allowed the opposition to break through, eventually allowing Kuhaib Driwes to score the opening goal of the match.
In stoppage time, the Moroccan forward scored the second goal with a brilliant shot, giving the Dutch team a fourth goal. As the final whistle blew, jeers could be heard and the pressure was mounting on Slott to address the issues that have plagued the team all season.
Asked about speculation about his position, the 47-year-old said: “I don’t think it matters whether it’s fair or not. But it’s normal and I understand that.”
“When coaches around the world lose a football match, let alone one that we lose, it’s normal for people to have an opinion about it, and it’s up to other people to decide whether it’s fair or unfair.
“But I think when it’s normal and you lose too many times, people start talking about it.
“I don’t agree that the quality[of Liverpool’s players]is not showing. I have seen enough moments of quality from the players, but it’s clear that it’s not reflected in the scores and results.”
“But no, I’m not worried. That means I’m focused on other things than worrying about my position. I try to analyze (and) help the players as much as I can, but obviously not in the same way as last season. Because when you talk about individual errors, I think it comes from a team effort.”
“So, again, I have to get better and that’s what I try to do every day to improve the team and to be honest, that’s my main focus.”
