Recently, on the programme The Overlap, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher stated that the Reds have been left behind by the Premier League's mainstream due to manager Slot's insistence on pursuing a 'sexy' style of football.
In their last ten matches, Liverpool have suffered seven defeats, leaving supporters utterly astonished. Carragher contends that beyond the squad's inherent issues, the Premier League's evolving style caught them unprepared.
He stated bluntly: "Those responsible for recruitment and the manager intended to rebuild last season's league champions, while Slot was determined to make the team play more 'sexy' and entertaining football. He constantly referenced Paris Saint-Germain and admired Pep Guardiola, persistently striving to build a side adept at intricate passing and prolific scoring. He genuinely believed the league was evolving in that direction."
"The reality, however, is that the Premier League has shifted towards greater physicality, set-piece dominance and long-ball tactics. Liverpool have been left completely behind, having almost entirely misjudged the prevailing trends in the league."
Rooney added that opponents have found ways to neutralise Liverpool, particularly by targeting their right flank. He analysed: "To become a team that's difficult to beat, every player must give their all. This season, it's clear everyone has zeroed in on Liverpool's right side, with Salah not tracking back effectively enough."
"The issues on Liverpool's right flank are glaring. Salah doesn't track back promptly, and the team has consistently lacked a reliable starting right-back, making it an obvious target for opposition attacks. Cucurella mentioned after the match that they specifically targeted that flank, and Manchester City clearly adopted the same strategy. I felt for Bradley during Sunday's game – he desperately needed support. Hrafenberg did his best to cover, but that inevitably left gaps in midfield."