Image Source: Jordan Chamberlain – Fan writer
Key Takeaways
- Liverpool have been unbeaten in nine matches, with their most recent defeat coming against PSV Eindhoven in November.
- The team has adopted a more defensive approach, which has led to a decrease in conceded chances, but has also resulted in a lack of creativity and excitement in their play.
- The midfield has been packed, with Curtis Jones becoming a key player, and Mohamed Salah being taken out of the team before the Afcon.
- The team’s tempo and intensity have been criticized, with fans calling for a change in approach to make the game more entertaining.
Introduction to Liverpool’s Current Form
Liverpool have managed to stop losing matches, with their last defeat coming against PSV Eindhoven in November. As Arne Slot’s team has gone unbeaten in nine matches, it is clear that the manager has made a conscious decision to adopt a more defensive approach. This change in strategy was likely made to prevent further losses, which could have cost Slot his job. As the article states, "On that night, Liverpool were humiliated 4-1 at Anfield and Slot clearly made a decision to go far more defensive – knowing any more losses could cost him his job." This defensive mindset has led to a decrease in conceded chances, making the team more solid at the back.
Defensive Improvements
The team’s defense has shown significant improvement, with the article stating, "We are not conceding tons of chances any more. We are not completely open in the midfield." This is a positive development, as the team was previously vulnerable to opposition attacks. The addition of Curtis Jones to the midfield has been a key factor in this improvement, as he has helped to shore up the defense and provide more stability in the middle of the park. Furthermore, the decision to take Mohamed Salah out of the team before the Afcon has also contributed to the team’s more defensive approach. As the article notes, "The problem is, it is not half boring. The 2-2 with Fulham was slightly more entertaining than the 0-0 with Leeds United, but the creativity, speed and intricacy in the final third is really lacking."
Lack of Creativity and Excitement
Despite the defensive improvements, the team’s play has been criticized for being dull and unentertaining. The article states, "We pass the ball around in the horseshoe shape for minutes at a time without a hint of a chance coming. The forwards are not making good runs and the play is so stodgy." This lack of creativity and excitement has led to fans calling for a change in approach, with the article concluding that "Slot needs to change something. Liverpool fans will not stand for this dire football all season." The team’s tempo and intensity have been particularly criticized, with the article noting that the team’s play is "painfully slow" and lacking in intensity.
The Need for Change
The current state of Liverpool’s play is not sustainable, and a change in approach is needed to make the game more exciting and entertaining for fans. While the team’s defensive improvements are a positive development, the lack of creativity and excitement in their play is a major concern. As the article states, "The issue recently is not just the results because we can afford to draw a few if we are aiming for a Champions League finish. It’s the painfully slow tempo and lack of intensity." The team needs to find a balance between defense and attack, and Slot needs to make changes to the team’s approach to make the game more entertaining for fans. This could involve giving more freedom to the team’s creative players, such as Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah, and adopting a more attacking mindset.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Liverpool’s current form has been marked by a lack of excitement and creativity, despite the team’s defensive improvements. The team’s tempo and intensity have been criticized, and fans are calling for a change in approach to make the game more entertaining. As the article notes, "Slot needs to change something. Liverpool fans will not stand for this dire football all season." The team needs to find a balance between defense and attack, and Slot needs to make changes to the team’s approach to make the game more exciting for fans. With the right changes, Liverpool can return to playing the exciting and entertaining football that fans have come to expect from the team.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c801vk1prgvo?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Byahoo.north.america%5D-%5Bheadline%5D-%5Bsport%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D
