Grizz Khan: “We want to send a message” as Liverpool Prepare for West Ham | OneFootball

Liverpool vs West Ham Preview: “We Want to Blitz Them” – Grizz Khan’s Rallying Cry

As Liverpool prepare to face West Ham, the ChatG&G podcast, hosted by Gags Tandon and Grizz Khan on Anfield Index, offered a clear-eyed preview of what fans can expect—and what they should demand.

Fresh off a difficult loss to Fulham, Liverpool are keen to reassert their dominance in the Premier League, with Arne Slot’s side eyeing a swift and aggressive response in London.

Fast Start, Ruthless Finish

Grizz Khan was unequivocal about how he wants Liverpool to approach the match: “I want us to blitz them in the first half so that we can have a bit of a relax and send a message to the rest of the league.” This wasn’t just about three points—it’s about sending a statement. As he added, “Let them [expletive] themselves a little bit.”

Gags echoed that sentiment: “I want to enjoy a football match again after a long time.” For both, enjoyment comes not from a casual performance but from ruthless execution—something that’s been absent since Liverpool’s dip post-January.

The hosts referenced the recent slump, with Gags admitting, “Since January the 1st… we’ve won the sprints in only three games.” This statistic underpinned their frustration: “We were outworking everyone,” Gags reminded listeners. “That’s why everyone’s like, ‘Oh, since January it’s been a bit [expletive]’. Well, yeah, they’re a bit tired.”

Team Selection and Tactical Demands

Looking ahead to the trip to West Ham, both Gags and Grizz offered insights into their preferred starting elevens. “I want Gakpo to start left,” Gags stated. “I think he adds something for Mo in the final third that we’ve been missing.”

Grizz, however, had a slightly different idea: “I’m going Jota, Salah, Diaz,” stressing the need to field players who are “bloody nuisances for defenders.” Both agreed on one thing—there’s no room for passengers. “If they’re still leggy now, we’ve got a big problem,” Gags warned.

In midfield, Grizz made his preference clear: “I could really do without playing Ryan for one game… I’d like to have Mac, Dom and Jones in there.” His reasoning wasn’t speculative—it came from a season of watching Liverpool “get outworked by everyone” since the turn of the year.

Photo: IMAGO

West Ham’s Threat and Mentality Shift

While not dismissing the challenge, Grizz and Gags were realistic about West Ham’s motivation. “I don’t think West Ham are playing for anything as such,” Gags said, expecting an early goal could break them down.

But the focus was just as much on mentality as it was on tactics. Gags underlined, “We play this amazingly controlled style of football which almost lets the opposition get comfortable.” It’s this pattern they hope Liverpool abandon in favour of a front-foot approach that unsettles Graham Potter’s side.

Grizz was direct in his appeal: “I want a fast start.” He wants to see Liverpool show their credentials as title winners, not just hang onto points.

Slot’s Moment to Reset

With Arne Slot at the helm, the game represents an opportunity to reset the narrative after a patchy few weeks. Gags noted, “Slot is a little bit more tactical than Klopp… If you’re outworking and you can control, you win leagues.”

But both hosts agree—control starts with intensity. “We need more legs next year,” Gags concluded, hinting at a summer rebuild. Until then, however, it’s down to the players to “put the wrongs of that horrible first half [vs Fulham] right,” as Grizz demanded.

As the Reds travel to London, fans will hope that demand is met with deeds.