Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has delivered a stark warning to Liverpool manager Arne Slot, insisting significant tactical changes are required to rescue the champions' faltering season.
Defensive Crisis Deepens at Anfield
The pressure intensified on Slot following Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the weekend, which confirmed their sixth Premier League loss in just seven matches. The champions now sit in a disappointing 11th position, trailing league leaders Arsenal by 11 points.
Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities have become increasingly apparent, having conceded 20 goals in their opening 12 league games. The team has managed just three clean sheets this season, highlighting the scale of their defensive problems.
Neville's Radical Formation Proposal
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, the Sky Sports pundit urged Slot to abandon his preferred 4-3-2-1 system in favour of a more traditional 4-4-2 formation to strengthen Liverpool's defensive structure.
'The coach has to change the style or system and help them,' Neville asserted. 'It means being more solid in midfield and defence, and personnel changes.'
Neville specifically highlighted concerns about several defensive players, stating: 'Milos Kerkez is having problems, Konate is having problems, so you have to put four centre-backs in the backline and keep a narrow, tight defence.'
Specific Team Selection Recommendations
The former England international provided detailed suggestions for Slot's team selection, proposing a narrow midfield four that could include Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and either Florian Wirtz or Cody Gakpo.
In attack, Neville suggested playing Mohamed Salah alongside either Hugo Ekitike or Alexander Isak, leaving both forwards high up the pitch to work as a partnership.
Neville acknowledged his advice might seem basic but emphasised: 'I've seen world-class coaches drop their ego about how we're going to play, forget that we're a big team and a big club; you're not right now, you're easily beaten, so you have to do something different.'
Defensive Issues Compounded by Injuries
Liverpool's defensive problems have been exacerbated by the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, which ended his productive partnership with Mohamed Salah. The right-back position has become particularly problematic with both Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley injured.
Slot has been deploying Szoboszlai - a natural attacking midfielder - at right-back, often leaving Liverpool vulnerable defensively. The statistic that Liverpool's second home defeat in their last three league matches equals their total from the previous 53 home games underscores the dramatic nature of their decline.
Call for Pragmatism and Leadership
Neville continued his analysis by calling for greater pragmatism: 'I said it a few weeks ago, I said that perhaps Joe Gómez should play right-back, Andy Robertson left-back and play as four narrow defenders. You have to be a bit more pragmatic.'
While acknowledging Slot as a 'brilliant coach' with 'great class', Neville insisted the Dutch manager needs to 'take a step back and do something different, perhaps make some difficult decisions.'
The pundit also called on Liverpool's experienced players to step up, stating: 'The players who have come into the club have to step up and show they can perform, and the players who have been there a long time, the leaders, the captains and the experienced players, have to provide stability in the dressing room.'
No Immediate Danger for Slot
Despite the concerning run of form, Neville doesn't believe Slot's position is under immediate threat. 'There's no way Arne Slot is in danger or losing his job. I've heard murmurs; if you go on social media and all that nonsense, forget that,' he stated.
Neville pointed to Liverpool's significant summer investment, noting Slot 'has just signed players worth £450 million and has to try to get them to fit.'
The fixtures continue to come thick and fast for Liverpool, who host PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday before travelling to face West Ham on Sunday. They then have a three-day break before Sunderland visit Anfield in the Premier League.
