Liverpool suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at home to PSV Eindhoven as Arne Slott’s problems worsened – and it’s safe to say Steven Gerrard was far from impressed
Steven Gerrard harshly criticized Liverpool’s defensive structure after their 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. The Reds icon said the backline would “never be” Liverpool’s back four after the Eredivisie clash with the giants, after Curtis Jones and Ryan Greifenbirch joined Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkes.
Liverpool have now lost nine of their last 12 games in all competitions, losing each of their last three by three points. Problems abound for Arne Slott, whose Premier League defense is in shambles and his automatic qualification to the Champions League knockout stage is in jeopardy.
With the Reds leading by two points, the Dutchman brought on Ibrahima Konate and brought on Federico Chiesa. As a result, Grafenwerch was moved to the last line, with Jones already playing as a right-back and Dominik Szoboszlai freed up to play further forward.
read more: Liverpool lose again to PSV due to pressure on Arne Slott – 5 topicsread more: Steven Gerrard apologizes after being accosted by TNT Sports commentator during game against Liverpool
But the Liverpool icon stressed that his defensive form was one that would never become a regular at Anfield, and felt the decision to drop the Frenchman told a story in itself.
He said: “Konate’s change was huge. It tells a story. If you look at the last back four, it’s Curtis Jones, Grafenwerch, Van Dijk and Kerkes. That’s not Liverpool’s back four and never will be.”
Liverpool needed a response after Saturday afternoon’s humiliating game against Forest and were given a mountain to climb when Virgil van Dijk was penalized for handball in the box just five minutes later.
Ivan Perisic stepped up and sent Giorgi Mamadashvili the other way for the opening goal. The hosts answered back through Szoboszlai 10 minutes later, heading home after Kodi Gakpo’s first shot was saved.
Liverpool looked better in the second half and had a chance to take the lead for the first time in the evening.
However, two defensive lapses opened the door for Peter Bosz’s side to run riot. Guus Till hit a shot on the wrong side of Milos Kerkes, but a lapse in concentration from Ibrahima Konate allowed Kuhaib Drihues to score.
The Moroccan winger scored his first goal of the night just four minutes after being replaced by Perisic. He scored a powerful goal in stoppage time to seal the points for the Dutch side and put immense pressure on Liverpool’s head coach.
Asked about Liverpool’s performance, Gerrard said: “No, that’s not (acceptable). They concede too many goals, they have gaps, they’re vulnerable and unstable.”
“Anfield is telling a story. The seats are empty, PSV are great, we felt comfortable here tonight and we deserved a win. Liverpool’s problems are deeper, the pressure is more intense and there is definitely some soul searching needed.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
