Neville Recommends Tactical Overhaul for Struggling Liverpool

Liverpool FC has been urged to reassess their defensive lineup and tactical formation in order to address their concerning performance by former player Gary Neville.

The team, under the management of Arne Slot, recently suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest—marking their sixth loss in seven matches. Team captain Virgil van Dijk expressed that the players are failing to support the manager who led them to Premier League glory last season.

Neville recommended that Slot adopt a more pragmatic defensive strategy to minimize conceding goals. For the match against Forest, Liverpool fielded Dominik Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konaté, Van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Neville stated, “The manager has to change the style or the system. He needs to assist the players, which involves enhancing solidity in midfield and defense.”

He emphasized the necessity for personnel adjustments, noting, “Kerkez and Konaté are struggling. Emulating the approaches of Arsenal and Manchester City, I suggest incorporating four center-backs into the backline. Maintain a compact defense and convey that the team is adapting to secure clean sheets and limit scoring opportunities from opponents.”

Neville proposed a narrow midfield with players such as Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and either Florian Wirtz or Cody Gakpo. He also suggested that Liverpool could opt to leave Mohamed Salah alongside Hugo Ekitike or Alexander Isak, ensuring they contribute defensively as well.

“It’s essential to implement a different strategy. It may seem basic, but I believe it’s necessary for a world-class coach like Arne Slot to recalibrate. Despite being a great team in the past, they’re currently vulnerable and need to adapt,” Neville concluded.

Currently, Liverpool sits in 11th place in the Premier League standings, marking their first time in the bottom half in a decade. Van Dijk has acknowledged the chaotic nature of the season and called on his teammates to assume greater accountability.

The team has recently conceded three goals against Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Crystal Palace, and Brentford, further highlighting their defensive struggles.