Anfield Horror Show as Liverpool Slump to Historic Defeat
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard delivered a sobering assessment of his former club's catastrophic form after witnessing a 4-1 home defeat to PSV at Anfield on Wednesday night. The 45-year-old, working as a pundit for TNT Sports, reflected on what constitutes the Reds' worst run of form since 1953 - a staggering 72 years ago.
'Crisis' Too Strong a Word, But Problems Mounting
When questioned directly if Arne Slot's side is in crisis, Gerrard offered a measured response. "Crisis is a very strong word and disrespectful to some of the players that have delivered for this football club, and for the manager that's delivered three months ago," he stated.
He elaborated, "If this was six months down the line, a year down the line and we're further away from that success, maybe you can use that word. But you can't deny the team is struggling massively, they're on a terrible run, confidence is at an all-time low and they just keep bleeding."
Gerrard issued a stark warning, emphasising that "Unless the managers can find answers and stability in the team it's going to continue." The statistics are damning: Liverpool have lost their last three games by three goals and suffered defeat in nine of their previous 12 matches.
Kerkez Singled Out for 'Criminal' Positioning
While poor performances were widespread across the pitch, one player received particular criticism from the former captain. Gerrard pinpointed Milos Kerkez, the £40million summer signing, for his defensive display.
"Kerkez to me is out of position for the majority of the game," Gerrard analysed. "It's criminal to be on that side of the attacker. You have to be on the inside. He gives himself no chance." He further stressed that "It doesn't matter if it's Mo Salah or anyone, you can't get beat in a dribble in this situation."
Faith in Salah, But Anfield Tells Its Own Story
Despite Mohamed Salah looking a shadow of the player who spearheaded Liverpool's title-winning campaign, Gerrard insisted the manager is right to maintain faith in the Egyptian star.
"Whoever is managing Liverpool right now would pick Mo Salah," he asserted. "Liverpool need all the good players on the pitch to try and find some stability. They're conceding too many goals, they're wide open in transition. Look very vulnerable and unstable soon as the ball turns over."
The exodus of fans before the final whistle did not escape Gerrard's notice, serving as a powerful indicator of the current mood. "Anfield tells a story," he observed. "The seats were empty with 10 minutes to go, as soon as the third goal went in the game was over. Liverpool's problems become deeper, the pressure intensifies even more. There needs to be a lot of soul searching tonight for sure."
Slot Under Intense Pressure
The pressure on manager Arne Slot is now immense. In his post-match reflections, the Dutchman admitted, "The emotions are very negative and disappointing." He expressed frustration at the manner of the collapse, noting, "I don't think anyone thought we would lose 4-1."
Acknowledging the grim reality, Slot concluded, "The only way to go is to go through now. We need to face where we're in and fight really hard." For a club of Liverpool's stature, this current period represents one of its most challenging chapters in modern history.
