Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has launched a scathing critique of Arne Slot's tactical approach at Liverpool, asserting that the Dutch manager has transformed Anfield into one of the "easiest" venues for opposing teams to visit. The Reds are currently mired in a dismal campaign, occupying fifth place in the Premier League standings and teetering on the brink of elimination from the Champions League.
Liverpool's Dramatic Decline at Home
Liverpool's title defence evaporated months ago, and Slot has faced mounting scrutiny in recent weeks as the team's performances have faltered. Historically, the club has taken immense pride in its formidable home record, but this season has seen a stark reversal. In Premier League action alone, Liverpool have suffered three defeats at Anfield and drawn four additional matches, highlighting a significant drop in their domestic dominance.
Scholes' Blunt Assessment
Scholes elaborated on his views during an appearance on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, reminiscing about Anfield's former reputation. "Anfield was always the toughest place to go," he stated. "Jamie Carragher mentioned it loads of times—you had the fans on top of you and the players on top of you."
The ex-England international argued that Liverpool have lost their defensive tenacity under Slot's guidance. "They've lost that determination to stop the other team. It's just not there any more," Scholes lamented. "They've become almost a possession-based team. Florian Wirtz is a brilliant, brilliant footballer, but I think he's made them more into a possession team."
Contrast with the Klopp Era
Scholes contrasted Slot's philosophy with the aggressive, high-pressing style that defined Jurgen Klopp's successful tenure. "Under Klopp and probably under past managers as well at Liverpool, the last thing they're thinking about at home is playing football," he explained. "They're just thinking about kicking the s*** out of you and steamrolling you and stopping you from playing."
He emphasised the dramatic shift, noting, "Now this last year and a half it's become probably one of the easiest places to play, and you'd never say that about Anfield."
Broader Criticisms and Comparisons
Liverpool's change in style has drawn widespread criticism, not only for their build-up play but also for Slot's perceived lack of tactical adaptability. Scholes referenced the club's recent title win, suggesting that complacency may have set in. "They won the league, brilliant, they won it quite early last year," he said. "Naturally, you are going to drop off a bit, but the signs were there towards the end of last year—they've lost the determination to stop the opposition."
He further elaborated on the importance of balancing aesthetics with defensive solidity. "They're still good, they still want to be a nice pretty football team—but you've got to stop the other team," Scholes insisted.
Philosophical Clash at Liverpool
Scholes also drew parallels with managerial philosophies at other clubs, including Manchester United's links with Ruben Amorim. "When we talk about philosophies of managers and football clubs—how many times did we speak about Ruben Amorim coming to United with his own philosophy playing the way he wanted?" he questioned.
He concluded that Slot's methods are ill-suited to Liverpool's traditional identity. "Liverpool aren't a possession team, they're just not—they're all over you like a Jurgen Klopp team. Now he's trying to do it a little bit different, and I just don't think it suits Liverpool."
The weekend's 1-0 lead squandered against struggling Tottenham only compounded the criticism, underscoring the growing concerns about Liverpool's direction under Slot as they struggle to recapture their former glory.
