‘Liverpool have a massive left-side issue’ – Fan reaction to ’embarrassing’ Champions League performance

Left side issue leaves Liverpool exposed after embarrassing defeat

Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Galatasaray in Istanbul has raised serious questions, with Dave Davis on the Newsround podcast for Anfield Index describing both the performance and the problems in blunt terms. The defeat followed on from the late collapse against Crystal Palace and has left supporters searching for answers.

Embarrassing displays underlined by lack of control

Davis did not hold back in his assessment, calling the performance “embarrassing”. He made clear that while the scoreline was narrow, the manner of the display was alarming. “In this one, it got worse as it went along and you could actually just sense and smell the desperation in the way they were playing, the disjointedness the way it went on.”

He contrasted the display with the Palace defeat, saying: “I know people will fixate on the last minute goal given up to Palace, but we created a lot of chances in that second half… in this one, it got worse as it went along.”

Concerns with defensive structure

One of Davis’s central points was how Liverpool struggled to progress the ball through the thirds. He explained: “What I’m struggling with… is we can’t seem to progress the ball from the back… it’s slow, it’s ponderous quite often, it’s one paced.”

The lack of trust in full-back options was also raised. Davis observed, “There’s no right back he trusts… that gives us a feel of when Mo Salah is not around at AFCON, Connor Bradley doesn’t seem to be trusted there as well.”

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But the left side was the real source of his frustration. “The left hand side I don’t understand what’s going on. Cody Gakpo again offered nothing… doesn’t seem to have any relationship or trust almost with Kerkez.” He added, “It is utterly baffling for me what is going on down that left hand side at the moment.”

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New signings and the left side issue

Florian Wirtz was singled out as both a talent and a source of frustration. Davis noted, “Florian Wirtz lost the most duels, nine on the pitch tonight. A difficult evening for Liverpool’s number seven. He does need to get a bit tougher or stronger.” Yet he also pointed to quality moments, including “a lovely chip ball… it’s a brilliant cross for Connor Bradley.”

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The inconsistency was stark. “Is what Florian Wirtz is doing always good? No. Is it always bad? No. Are the things he could improve on? Without doubt.”

Similarly, Milos Kerkez came in for criticism. Davis remarked that “Milos Kerkez is not doing any of the things that he did well at Bournemouth and it looks like by design.”

Embarrassing truths that must be faced

Davis’s wider conclusion was bleak. Injuries to Alisson and Hugo Ekitike compounded the night, but the issues ran deeper. “It just looks horrible at the back, doesn’t it? It looks horrible in many areas.” He also raised doubts about Ibrahima Konaté’s form, asking why Joe Gomez was not being considered.

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Summing up, he said: “In simple terms people, there is a lot for Arne Slot to solve by Chelsea… it’s natural to be a bit concerned right now, isn’t it? Two defeats. It’s not a crisis… but it’s a fair bit of a drama at Liverpool just now.”

Liverpool’s left side remains a glaring issue, their displays have been embarrassing in parts, and until these are addressed the season will remain stuck in a troubling pattern.