Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has called on his players to find ways to break down opponents' low-block and long-ball tactics as the Premier League champions endure a three-game losing streak. The Reds trail leaders Arsenal by four points ahead of Saturday's clash with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. Slot highlighted recent defensive setups used by teams like Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
Liverpool's recent Premier League form has hit a rough patch, with the team suffering defeats in their last three matches, including a 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday and a 2-1 setback against Crystal Palace. This slump has left them four points behind Arsenal at the top of the table as they prepare to face Brentford on Saturday night.
In his pre-match press conference, Slot explained that opponents have altered their approach this season, frequently adopting a 5-4-1 formation with a low block to frustrate Liverpool's attack, coupled with long balls. "The main difference between this season and last season is the playing styles we face," Slot said. He noted that Liverpool had to defend 178 long balls in their first seven games, rising to 59 against United alone—a stark contrast to the previous campaign.
Slot praised the tactical adjustments by rival managers, viewing them as a compliment to Liverpool's style. He referenced how Eintracht Frankfurt, whom Liverpool beat 5-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, consulted Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner—who previously coached Frankfurt—on how to set up. The Dutchman emphasized that solutions lie in moments of magic, like those from Mohamed Salah earlier in the season, or set-pieces, as seen in the Frankfurt victory. "The way to unlock it is a moment of magic... or a set-piece," Slot added.
Despite the challenges, Slot sees progress in Liverpool's chance creation against such defenses. "The last two times we faced a 5-4-1 against Palace and against United, we've created more chances than we did every single time we faced a 5-4-1 last season," he said. He compared it to Manchester City's long-term experience with similar tactics and stressed the need for further adaptation.
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim responded to Slot's comments ahead of his team's match against Brighton. "I don't care what Slot says, I don't need anyone else to analyse my team," Amorim stated, adding that United must improve possession play while adapting when necessary.
Injuries will test Liverpool further: goalkeeper Alisson Becker and defender Jeremie Frimpong are out with hamstring issues, while updates are awaited on Isak's groin problem from midweek and Ryan Gravenberch's ankle injury. Slot also addressed Mohamed Salah's dry spell, without a goal in six games and benched against Frankfurt. "The last thing I worry about is Mo starting to score goals again," he assured.