Liverpool’s Slot under fire from former Premier League defender | OneFootball

Phil Jones questions Arne Slot’s Liverpool rebuild amid mixed results

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has offered a critical assessment of Arne Slot’s start at Liverpool, suggesting the Dutch manager may be “clutching at straws” as he works to stabilise a team still searching for consistency. Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s 2–0 win over Aston Villa, Jones highlighted defensive concerns and a lack of control in key phases of recent matches.

Jones questions Liverpool’s defensive balance

In a discussion on BBC Radio 5Live, Jones shared his perspective on Liverpool’s performances under Slot, particularly their vulnerability when defending crosses and set pieces. “I’m all for managers defending themselves, absolutely,” Jones said. “You’ve got to come out fighting and you’ve got to back the lads in the dressing room. But when you’re talking about teams playing direct, for me, he’s clutching at straws a little bit.

“Teams know what they’re up against when they go to Anfield. They’re not going to open up because they’d be foolish to do that. But I see a vulnerability defensively with Liverpool at the minute. Every time the ball goes in the box, it looks like a panic.”

Liverpool’s high defensive line, once a strength under Jürgen Klopp, has occasionally appeared uncertain this season, particularly when faced with more physical opponents. While Slot has maintained faith in his structured, possession-based approach, questions remain about how well his players have adapted to the nuances of his system.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot insists progress is being made

After Liverpool’s victory over Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, Slot was quick to highlight the positives, including improved performances from key players such as Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. “I think you always feel pressure if you are at Liverpool,” Slot said post-match. “If you are leading the table with 15 games to go, you feel pressure. And if you are in a run of form like we were in, you feel it as well.

“I’ve always felt the support of the fans since I arrived. Even when results weren’t going our way, the backing never dropped. They were there for me, but they were also there for the team tonight. That kind of support has a big impact.”

Slot also noted that recent struggles have been amplified by the number of away fixtures in quick succession. “We’ve had to play a lot of away games where the atmosphere isn’t ours to feed off. You can’t compare that to a home game under the lights at Anfield — that’s something I’d take ten times out of ten.”

Liverpool’s tactical identity under scrutiny

Slot’s tactical philosophy emphasises control and precision, often relying on midfield structure and fluid transitions rather than the all-action pressing seen in previous seasons. While the new system has shown promise in spells, some observers believe it leaves Liverpool more exposed when defending set pieces or second balls.

Jones’ comments reflect a wider debate among pundits and supporters over whether Liverpool’s defensive discipline can match their attacking creativity. Despite a convincing win against Villa, inconsistency has marked their recent form, with just two victories in eight games prior to that result.

Slot’s Liverpool looking to regain rhythm

As Liverpool prepare for upcoming fixtures against teams with more direct styles, Slot will be aware of the need to strengthen defensive coordination and resilience. With Real Madrid and Manchester City on the horizon — both teams that favour technical precision over aerial bombardment — the Dutchman may find his tactical setup better suited to those contests.

However, if Liverpool are to mount a sustained challenge on multiple fronts, they will need to address the lapses that have undermined them in tighter matches. For all the talk of adaptation and transition, Slot knows that defensive stability remains the foundation upon which success at Anfield must be built.