Three Changes Liverpool Must Now Make Following 4-1 Drubbing at the Hands of PSV Eindhoven | OneFootball

Liverpool's recent woes have gone from bad to worse over the last three games. The Anfield faithful thought things couldn't get any worse following a run of six defeats in seven throughout October. However, their worst fears have now been realized. 

Following the 4-1 drubbing at the hands of PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League, the Reds have now conceded three goals in three consecutive games for the first time since 1936. That bitter defeat followed back-to-back 3-0 Premier League defeats, first to Manchester City, and then at home to Nottingham Forest. As a result, the Merseysiders are now considered whopping 20/1 outsiders to defend the Premier League title they won so impressively last term, as well as a 10/1 outsider in Europe. 

Fans are now clamoring for manager Arne Slot's head, with insights from Ignition Australia indicating that a managerial change often brings renewed motivation. But should the Dutch boss somehow remain in the Anfield hot seat, then he must make changes to his team and tactics quickly if he is to revive the sinking ship. Here are three such changes that would surely yield immediate improvements. 

Defensive Overhaul

In that recent loss to PSV, some mistakes at the back were Liverpool's downfall. Not one but two calamities from Ibrahima Konate resulted in the visitors helping themselves to two goals, while captain Virgil van Dijk's early handball also gave away a penalty.

Overhauling the defence is now a must for Slot. While it's been van Dijk coming in for criticism from all corners, the Dutchman remains an elite defender. 

Introducing England international Joe Gomez to the starting lineup, either instead of Konate or to form a back five as opposed to a back three, could be the remedy to Liverpool's defensive woes. The former Charlton Athletic youngster has bags of pace and is capable of doing the hard running for van Dijk, covering for his captain should he lunge in for tackles, interceptions, or aerial battles. 

As well as that, Andrew Robertson should also reclaim his starting place on the left-hand side. The Scottish defender is still just 31 years of age, and he still has plenty of running left in him. He remains a class above the man who was brought in to replace him, and should Robbo return to the starting line-up, Kerkez will be able to take an apprentice-like position, learning from the master. 

Drop Underperforming Players

Mohamed Salah will go down in history as one of Liverpool's greatest ever players. Last season, Anfield's resident Egyptian King powered his club to the title almost singlehandedly, netting 29 league goals, his best figure since his debut season with the club back in 2017/18. 

The Reds aren't loaded with attacking options on the wings, but there are two men who are certainly deserving of an opportunity should Salah not return to his best in the immediate future. The first of those is Federico Chiesa. The Italian has delivered crucial goals when called upon by manager Slot, including a late winner on the opening day against Bournemouth. Another is teenage prodigy Rio Ngumoha, who has looked lively when being introduced from the bench. 

Another who has struggled this season is Alexander Isak, the man Liverpool moved heaven and earth to sign for a British record fee from Newcastle United in the summer. The Swedish striker has managed just one goal so far this term, and that came in the EFL Cup. Hugo Ekitike is the man who must be trusted to deliver Liverpool the goals needed to drag them out of the hole they currently find themselves in, not their record signing. 

Reintroduce the Press

Speaking after that recent loss to PSV, Reds midfielder Curtis Jones lamented his side's lack of pressing. While he must also shoulder some of that responsibility, rather than direct it at his teammates, the England international is correct in his assessment. 

There has been a distinct lack of hunger from Liverpool to win the ball back when they are out of possession, something which was a staple both under former manager Jurgen Klopp and indeed under Slot during last season's Premier League title triumph. Perhaps it is last season's success, coupled with new contracts for both Salah and van Dijk, which has reduced some of that hunger and willingness to hunt for the ball. Regardless of the reasoning, Liverpool needs to rediscover their bite quickly before further damage is done.