Gary Neville has issued a stark warning to Liverpool manager Arne Slot, urging him to completely overhaul his approach following the team's dismal 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday.
A Deepening Crisis at Anfield
The loss to Nottingham Forest marks Liverpool's sixth Premier League defeat of the season, a statistic that underscores the severity of their current slump. This woeful run of form has left the Reds languishing in 11th place in the table, a staggering 12 points behind early leaders Arsenal. The pressure is mounting on manager Arne Slot, with many questioning his position at the club.
While speaking to Sky Sports, Manchester United legend Gary Neville expressed significant concern. "It's a worry. It's a massive worry," Neville stated. He did, however, stop short of calling for a managerial change, acknowledging the proven quality of both the players and the manager. "I'm not going to pile in because the reality is when you've won a league and got a group of players who have proved themselves over a long period of time and a manager who has proven himself, you're allowed a dip."
Neville's Prescription: Back to Basics
Neville believes the solution lies not in a new face in the dugout, but in a fundamental tactical reset. He advised Slot to strip his strategy back to its bare essentials to halt the alarming slide. "When you're losing or going through a run like that as a club like that... you've got to strip everything back to its foundations," Neville explained.
He elaborated that this means prioritising defensive solidity above all else. "You can only go back to the basics. That means the manager might have to be more basic in his style. He might have to go back to the fact that there are a few players up front who can win the game for you but 'how do we keep clean sheets, how do we be more solid at the back, how do we be more solid in midfield?'"
Neville pointed out that Liverpool's current expressive and expansive style is exacerbating their problems. He concluded that the team must "pretend you're starting from scratch" to navigate what he describes as a "real concerning point" for the club.
What Comes Next for Slot's Liverpool?
The immediate focus for Arne Slot is on securing a positive result in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven in midweek. This is followed by a crucial Premier League fixture away at struggling West Ham next weekend. These matches represent a critical opportunity for Liverpool to implement Neville's advice and stop the rot, turning their faltering season around before the situation deteriorates further.
