Arne Slot, the manager of Liverpool, has pledged that the team will “fight on” despite experiencing its worst run of form in 72 years. Yet the club has faced historically unprecedented challenges. They have now lost three matches in a row in all competitions, each one by three or more goals, something that has not happened since December 1953. Though a few key performers aren’t playing up to their potential, injuries have decimated the regular squad. With that in mind, Slot is considering tactical adjustments ahead of Sunday’s clash with West Ham.
On the pitch, Liverpool’s perfect storm of chaos is exacerbated by the poor form of key names such as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Both have had difficulty returning to their peak form this year, which has been key in the team’s lackluster campaign. Slot, bleeding money and losing ground, is looking to shake up the lineup. Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo could both come in for the must-win clash with West Ham.
Injury Concerns and Squad Adjustments
In their recent game against PSV, keeper Alisson had to be substituted out at the last moment due to illness. He is expected to be back for the next match against West Ham. His impact on the defensive end was evident in the team’s recent dropoff without him. Alisson only recently returned from almost two months off the field, nursing an injury. He was in the starting lineup for his team’s home match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Further compounding the injury woes, fellow forward Hugo Ekitike was pretty much resigned to going off during that defeat to PSV. His injury is not thought to be serious, but he’s still questionable for Sunday’s game. To add to this, Ibrahima Konate’s poor displays have made his position in the starting eleven suspect.
While Slot recognized the need for transformative change, he stressed the importance of balance when it came to decision-making priorities.
“They train with us every single day and they can prove themselves in those moments. It is always that balance of if you don’t change, people think you should change more,” – Arne Slot.
The Road Ahead for Liverpool
Despite the challenging circumstances, Liverpool’s management has expressed confidence in Slot’s capabilities as a coach. Slot’s first full season has already seen the team clinching the Eredivisie title. His record just keeps getting better. The club’s management is committed to supporting their long-time gaffer while he weathers this storm.
Slot feels they have already proven their quality at times, but need to start making use of those flashes to make them count and win matches. He echoed sentiments from the last week that the team needed to start rewarding all the hard work the team was doing off the ball during games.
“But it would also be nice if we rewarded ourselves in the moments we play well. People are focused correctly on the parts where we don’t play well,” – Arne Slot.
Following successful rehabilitation, midfielder Florian Wirtz will be available to rejoin training on Saturday. He sat out these past two games due to an injury. His return would be a huge boost to a depleted squad as they head into one of their toughest matches yet against West Ham.
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