qThierry Henry Slams Liverpool Star and Arne Slot After Manchester City Humiliation
Thierry Henry didn’t hold back in his post-match analysis following Liverpool’s crushing defeat to Manchester City. The football legend singled out a specific Liverpool player as the worst performer on the pitch, handing him a shocking rating of just 2/10. According to Henry, this was not a surprise—it was entirely predictable, and he insists that manager Arne Slot ignored clear tactical warnings ahead of the game.
Henry was scathing in his criticism, pointing out that Liverpool’s opponent thrives on high-intensity, relentless pressing. “City plays fast, high-pressure football. I warned Slot not to start this player,” Henry said. “He can’t cope with the pace. He slows everything down, loses the ball, and today proved it.” His remarks were not just an indictment of the player’s performance—they were a direct attack on Slot’s decision-making and team selection.
Manchester City dominated the game from the first whistle, pressing Liverpool relentlessly in every area of the pitch. Liverpool appeared slow and disorganized, particularly in midfield and during transitions, as the targeted player repeatedly lost possession, misplaced passes, failed to track runners, and physically collapsed within 20–30 minutes of the start. Television cameras even captured Slot looking frustrated on the touchline, seemingly aware of the unfolding disaster, yet Henry insists the situation could have been avoided entirely.
Henry went further, accusing Slot of “selling the match” before it even began. He argued that knowingly starting a player who struggles under pressure gave Manchester City a clear advantage and set Liverpool on a path to failure. The message was unmistakable: the defeat was not just about mistakes on the pitch—it was rooted in tactical misjudgment before a single ball was kicked.
Social media reactions mirrored Henry’s sentiments, with fans calling for the player to be removed from the starting lineup immediately. Former Liverpool players and pundits watching the game were visibly uncomfortable, avoiding defending the individual. This poor performance was part of a recurring pattern, as whenever the game’s tempo rises, Liverpool appears exposed through this player’s shortcomings.
Henry believes this is more than just a one-off failure; it represents a structural issue in Liverpool’s setup. “If Liverpool want to compete with City, Arsenal, or even Real Madrid, they cannot afford passengers,” Henry stated bluntly. “Football is brutal. Either you handle the tempo, or you step aside.” His comments make it clear that a permanent change in the lineup may be necessary to restore competitiveness.
Now, the pressure is firmly on Arne Slot. He must decide whether to drop the player, rethink Liverpool’s midfield structure, and either admit the mistake publicly or defend his controversial choices. Fans remain divided—some blame the individual player, while others hold Slot accountable—but nearly everyone agrees that this defeat was avoidable and has exposed critical vulnerabilities in the squad.
Liverpool’s humbling loss is more than just another defeat; it’s a statement. It highlights the intensity gap between them and the Premier League’s elite, serving as a stark warning that immediate action is required. The big question remains: will Arne Slot heed the warning, or will Liverpool continue to struggle under high-pressure scenarios against top opposition?