Gerrard's Scathing Assessment of Liverpool Defence
A furious Steven Gerrard has delivered a brutal verdict on Liverpool's defensive structure following their 4-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. The Liverpool legend did not hold back in his criticism of the makeshift backline that finished the match at Anfield.
'That's Not a Liverpool Back Four'
Speaking after the heavy defeat on 26 November 2025, Gerrard specifically highlighted the concerning defensive substitution that saw Ibrahima Konate replaced. "The substitution of Konate was huge, that sends a story," Gerrard stated.
He then turned his attention to the unconventional defensive lineup that finished the game: "You look at the back four that you finish with: Curtis Jones, Gravenberch, Van Dijk and Kerkez. That's not a Liverpool back four, never will be."
The comments from the Reds icon underscore the growing problems for manager Arne Slot, whose team suffered a comprehensive defeat against the Eredivisie giants.
Deepening Crisis at Anfield
This heavy loss at home represents a significant setback for Liverpool in European competition and raises serious questions about the team's defensive organisation. With midfielders Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch being deployed in defensive roles alongside Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez, the structural issues were evident throughout the match.
The 4-1 scoreline against PSV Eindhoven marks one of the most disappointing results in recent memory for the Merseyside club, suggesting deeper issues that need immediate addressing by the coaching staff.
