Slot has major issues at centre back | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Slide Exposed Again After Manchester City Setback

Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat at the Etihad laid bare the erosion in confidence and cohesion that has coloured this troubled campaign. The Express described a “stark contrast in class” between the long time rivals, and it is hard to counter that assessment after a match in which Arne Slot’s side never truly imposed themselves. For a manager who lifted the Premier League title only months ago, the current run of five defeats in six league games illustrates how quickly authority can feel fragile.

Defensive Issues Intensify

The original article noted that “Liverpool’s defensive struggles this season are well-known”. Slot’s decision to bench Milos Kerkez was meant to steady the structure, but Pep Guardiola’s side targeted the areas Liverpool have failed to secure all year. Conor Bradley, who impressed against Vinicius Jr earlier in the week, could not contain Jeremy Doku. The Belgian, described as “a persistent nuisance”, finished the afternoon with a goal reminiscent of Mohamed Salah’s trademark cutting finishes.

The deeper concern lies at centre-back where, as The Express asserted, “Slot must address the centre-back pairing of Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk”. Both players endured a difficult afternoon. Van Dijk’s form has dipped and his role in City’s second goal, as he backpedalled and offered only a slight heel deflection, summed up the uncertainty. Konate’s display was described bluntly. “Defensively, Konate was poor”. City invited him to have the ball because they believed he would struggle and they were proved correct.

Tactical Balance Under Scrutiny

Slot’s blueprint depends heavily on structure. Without it, the system becomes stretched and predictable. Liverpool’s inability to progress play cleanly, combined with their vulnerability in transition, has created a recurring pattern. Konate had “the most touches on the pitch” in the first 30 minutes but rarely advanced Liverpool into threatening zones. The forward rotation lacked fluency and the midfield could not control tempo or territory.

Photo: IMAGO

City’s 1000th match under Guardiola felt symbolic. A refined machine humming through its patterns against a Liverpool side still struggling to rediscover its identity. The margins were wide, and the scoreboard reflected that.

Pressure Rising Ahead of Key Fixtures

The Express highlighted that Liverpool have now dropped behind Manchester United under Ruben Amorim and are drifting away from leaders Arsenal. The upcoming fixtures against Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Sunderland have been described as “crucial victories, anything less… would be unacceptable”. Slot will be acutely aware of that. Premier League momentum can shift quickly, but only if fundamental issues are addressed. Depth is thin, confidence is thinner and the questions around personnel, including whether Joe Gomez should return to the starting line up, feel unavoidable.

Liverpool rebuilt once under Slot. They must now show they can correct an unravelling season before the gap becomes unbridgeable.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Supporters watching this run of form will feel uneasy because the problems are not isolated. The concerns around Van Dijk and Konate echo conversations fans have been having since August. When the captain is struggling for timing and authority, the rest of the unit suffers. Van Dijk’s disallowed goal was frustrating, but the wider worry is how passive he appears when defending his own box. Fans know he set the standards in this league for years, which makes the regression sharper to witness.

Konate’s form is just as alarming. When a top side like City allows a centre-back possession because they are confident nothing dangerous will develop, that signals a breakdown in trust from opponents and supporters alike. Liverpool fans are used to centre-halves who intimidate and impose. At the moment, Konate looks uncertain and reactive.

There is also anxiety about the midfield balance. Slot’s system requires precision and discipline, yet Liverpool look stretched between the lines far too often. The winger rotations are predictable and the lack of composure in possession makes every transition feel risky.

Supporters will back Slot because of what he achieved last season, but they also recognise that reputations cannot win matches. Forest, West Ham and Sunderland are the definition of must win fixtures. If Liverpool do not take maximum points, the season could tilt into something far more concerning than a rocky spell.

Fans want to see urgency, control and leadership. Above all, they want to see a Liverpool team that competes with conviction again.