“Neville Urges Liverpool to Overhaul Tactics and Personnel Amid Historic Crisis
Liverpool’s season has taken a dramatic turn for the worse, prompting former Manchester United defender Gary Neville to publicly advise a major tactical overhaul. Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, Neville highlighted the urgent need for manager Arne Slot to reconsider his formation and make bold personnel changes if the Reds hope to salvage their Premier League campaign.
The defending champions’ struggles were laid bare over the weekend, suffering a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. This loss marked Liverpool’s sixth defeat in just seven league matches, leaving them languishing in 11th place, a staggering 11 points behind leaders Arsenal. The team’s defensive vulnerabilities have been particularly concerning, with 20 goals conceded in 12 games and only three clean sheets to their name. Neville stressed that Slot’s current 4-3-2-1 system is failing to provide defensive stability, urging a switch to a more disciplined 4-4-2 formation.
Neville specifically highlighted issues with key defenders, noting that both Milos Kerkez and Ibrahima Konate are struggling in their current roles. He suggested that Liverpool could benefit from a tighter, more compact back four while strengthening the midfield with a narrow four including players such as Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz, or Cody Gakpo. Upfront, Neville recommended deploying Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak as a striking duo, allowing Mohamed Salah to operate with more freedom and reduce defensive responsibilities.
In addition to tactical changes, Neville emphasized the importance of leadership within the squad. He called on Liverpool’s captains and experienced players to provide stability, particularly as the club integrates new signings worth £450 million. Neville argued that a collective return to the fundamentals—such as recovery, fitness routines, and attention to minor details—could help the team regain their competitive edge. Despite the poor run of form, Neville defended Slot, asserting that the manager’s position is secure and that patience is required as he seeks to settle his new squad.
Liverpool’s injury woes have further complicated Slot’s situation. The departures of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid and injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley have forced Slot to deploy Szoboszlai, an attacking midfielder by trade, at right-back, exposing the defense further. Neville suggested alternative solutions such as repositioning Joe Gomez at right-back while retaining Andy Robertson at left-back, advocating for a pragmatic approach to restore solidity at the back.
With a congested fixture schedule looming—including Champions League clashes against PSV, Premier League matches at West Ham, and a quick turnaround for the Sunderland game—Liverpool faces no respite. Neville concluded by emphasizing the need for immediate tactical and individual adjustments, stressing that while Slot remains a highly competent manager, decisive action and squad discipline are vital to prevent this challenging period from spiraling into a full-blown crisis.
