Jan Molby’s Criticises Arne Slot’s ‘Boring’ LiverpoolJan Molby has watched Liverpool through eras of dominance and decline, but seldom has he sounded as worried as he does now. In his detailed...
Jan Molby’s Criticises Arne Slot’s ‘Boring’ Liverpool
Jan Molby has watched Liverpool through eras of dominance and decline, but seldom has he sounded as worried as he does now. In his detailed discussion with Trev Downey, the former midfielder laid bare his concerns about a team that has lost its spark, its identity and, crucially, its belief in the man leading it.
This was not about sensational language or sweeping blame. It was about observation, pattern and blunt honesty. And Molby returned again and again to one fundamental truth: Liverpool under Arne Slot are a difficult watch.
“We are finding every single game a struggle”
Molby did not hide from how dramatic Liverpool’s collective drop-off has become. As he put it, “there’s too many, Trevor. There’s too many,” referring to the sheer number of players whose levels have collapsed at the same time. That, for him, is the clearest sign the problem is not isolated but systemic.
He listed senior figures one by one. Virgil van Dijk, whom he once envisioned ageing like Thiago Silva into his late thirties, is now “nowhere near” the control he used to exert. Ibrahima Konate? “Decision making as a footballer is not particularly good.” Alexis Mac Allister? Molby admitted, “I generally can’t explain that.” Even Mohamed Salah, he said, no longer looks like himself, noting that Liverpool’s slower buildup means “by the time he gets it, the opposition is always set.”
It all feeds into one overriding conclusion. “We are finding every single game a struggle… because of individuals who’ve dropped off too far.”
No identity, no clarity, no rhythm
Downey asked a pointed question: when so many things are malfunctioning at once, does that mean there is really only one problem? Molby agreed.
“I’m not sure that the man in charge can put that right,” he said, speaking with the rare authority of someone who has been both manager and player. He referenced his own experience of being sacked and recognising that sometimes “with how I want to do things, I can’t put that right.”
It was not malicious. It was measured. It was a coach acknowledging when a team lacks guidance, purpose and structure.
Molby and Downey both highlighted the same alarming truth. Liverpool’s attack is misfiring. The midfield “is disjointed.” The defence lacks stability. And the broader tactical picture is muddled. As Downey put it, “we don’t seem to have a coherent sort of game plan… like we always did under Klopp.” Slot’s Liverpool, Molby agreed, simply do not play with the identity supporters recognise.
“I want to see that team play better”
Perhaps the most revealing moment came when Molby was asked whether a big win like a 4-0 over Brighton would change anything. His answer was instant.
“I still won’t be convinced when we play the following week… I want you to go period from period where you go, you know what, we’re alright at the moment.”
Photo: IMAGO
Winning a match is not the issue. Playing well is. Liverpool are not doing it, and have not looked likely to for months.
Molby is not calling for Slot’s immediate dismissal. In fact, he said he would “stick with what we’ve got for the time being.” But for the first time, he openly doubts whether Slot is the man who can restore Liverpool to the top. And that is the level Liverpool are judged by. “Getting back means the top,” Molby said. “We’re not talking about anything else.”
Liverpool have drifted from their identity, their fluidity and their conviction. And as Molby made painfully clear, until that returns, this team will remain what it currently is: disjointed, hesitant, and yes, boring.
Category: General Sports
