Former Premier League manager Tony Pulis has suggested that Liverpool’s recent downturn in form could be due to a dressing room divide caused by the influx of new players this summer. Pulis discussed the theory on The Managers podcast alongside ex-top flight boss Mick McCarthy.
Arne Slot’s side suffered a 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield on Wednesday, making it nine losses in their last 12 games. The club spent up to £450 million on new signings including Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Giovanni Leoni.
“Are the players, who are there, happy with the players they’ve brought in? Is there some animosity between the players coming in with the players who actually won the league last year?” Pulis asked. He also suggested that wage disparities could be destabilising the dressing room, particularly if high-earning newcomers are not performing well.
Liverpool’s highest earners remain Virgil van Dijk (£400,000 a week) and Mohamed Salah (£380,000 a week). However, reports indicate that Alexander Isak earns £300,000 a week, while Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike are on £200,000 a week. Title-winning stars like Andy Robertson and Alexis Mac Allister earn £160,000 and £150,000 respectively.
Pulis also questioned the team’s effort levels and balance compared to last season. “I’m convinced the balance isn’t right,” he said, adding that he would look at distances covered and sprints to assess the drop-off. Liverpool face West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday.
