Thierry Henry did not hold back in his assessment of Liverpool’s performance against Manchester City. After watching the Reds struggle under City’s relentless pressing and high tempo, Henry singled out one player as the worst on the pitch, rating him just 2/10. He also directed sharp criticism at manager Arne Slot for ignoring clear tactical warnings.
“There’s nothing you can tell me. I said it before the match. City play high-intensity, constant pressing — they don’t let you breathe. I warned Slot not to start him. He cannot handle that pace. He slows everything down. He loses the ball. Today proved it,” Henry said.
This was more than just criticism of an individual player; it was a direct challenge to Slot’s team selection.
What Went Wrong?
Manchester City applied pressure in every zone from the first whistle. Liverpool failed to match the energy, particularly in midfield and during transitions. The targeted player repeatedly:
Lost possession cheaply
Misplaced passes under pressure
Failed to track runners
Physically collapsed after 20–30 minutes
The frustration was evident even on Slot’s touchline, but according to Henry, this outcome was predictable.
“Slot Sold This Match” — Henry’s Claim
Henry went further, claiming: “I’m sorry but Slot sold this match. When you know City will press like wolves and still choose a player who struggles under pressure, what are we talking about? You gave City the advantage.”
For Henry, Liverpool essentially handed the match away with their starting lineup before a single ball was kicked.
The Player in Question
Liverpool fans quickly voiced their frustration on social media, calling for the player to be removed from the team. Pundits and former players were similarly uncomfortable, highlighting that this was not an isolated poor performance. Whenever the tempo rises, Liverpool appear exposed through this player.
The Bigger Problem
Henry believes this is more than one bad day; it is a tactical flaw:
“If Liverpool want to compete with City, Arsenal, or Real Madrid, you cannot have passengers. Football is brutal. You either handle the tempo, or you sit down.”
The message was clear: someone in Liverpool’s squad must be dropped permanently.
What Happens Next?
Arne Slot faces pressure to:
Remove the struggling player from the starting XI
Rebuild the midfield structure
Either admit the mistake publicly or defend his choice
Liverpool fans are divided between blaming the player and blaming Slot, but nearly everyone agrees that the defeat was avoidable.
Final Word
This was not just a loss — it was a statement. Against a rival that showcased elite intensity, Liverpool were exposed. The team must respond quickly because in the Premier League, there is no time to recover from mistakes
