Steven Gerrard took aim at Liverpool’s defense after the Reds lost at home to PSV Eindhoven. It was another unforgettable night for the reigning Premier League champions, who scored four goals against the Netherlands. It was his ninth loss in 12 matches and added pressure on Arne Slott as he fights to keep his job.
Virgil van Dijk was at fault for the first goal, handling the ball inside the area and giving away an early penalty. Ibrahima Konate and Milos Kerkes also struggled, while Curtis Jones deputized at right-back in the absence of Jeremy Frimpong and Conor Bradley. Konate lost direction in PSV’s third game and was hooked after Ryan Gravenbirch took over in defence.
After the final whistle, Gerrard called for self-reflection from his Liverpool team as the mounting pressure reached a crescendo.
He declared on TNT Sports: “The change of Konate was huge. It tells a story.
“If you look at the last back four, it’s Curtis Jones, Grafenwerch, Van Dijk and Kerkes. It’s not Liverpool’s back four and it never will be.”
Konate was sent off 10 minutes into the second period against Nottingham Forest and was dragged to the slot in back-to-back games.
Hugo Ekitike replaced him on that occasion and once again Liverpool were only able to slip in another goal in his absence.
Liverpool have now scored three or more goals in three consecutive games in all competitions, their lowest ever recorded in September 1992.
Gerrard continued: “No, that’s not (acceptable). They have conceded too many goals, they have gaps, they are vulnerable and unstable. Anfield tells the story, the seats are empty.”
“PSV were great and we felt comfortable enough here tonight that we deserved to win. Liverpool’s problems are getting deeper, the pressure is getting more intense and we definitely need to look at ourselves.”
Reds manager Slott said in the post-match interview: “After losing 1-0, I want to think positively about the players.
“We had a good chance to get back into the game and take a 2-1 lead, but I don’t think anyone expected us to lose 4-1 at half-time.
“After conceding a goal and making it 2-1, we had a chance to make it 2-2, but we conceded again. It’s difficult to accept.
“The only way forward is to get on with it now. What I’m saying is we have to face the situation we’re in and fight hard.”
