Liverpool Defensive Struggles: Tactical Analysis & Stats

As Liverpool are preventing for his or her Champions League life, each this yr and subsequent, it’s apparent to everybody that the staff is struggling defensively. Whereas the analytics disagree, they are saying the Reds are a Prime 3 defensive membership primarily based on XGs and different components, the attention take a look at and different numbers inform a distinct story.

For instance, Liverpool have already conceded 12 targets after the eightieth minute this season, whereas the whole for a similar span in 24/25 was solely 8. Meaning the Reds have dropped a complete of 13 factors in the course of the last 10 minutes of the match plus stoppage time, in comparison with solely 5 factors a season in the past.

Listed here are just a few causes for these struggles and recommendations on how you can repair them.

Resolve The Set-Piece Disaster

One of many largest points is that 43.75% of targets conceded have come from set items. Whereas the membership sacked set-piece coach Aaron Briggs in late 2025, the  1-0 loss to Galatasaray within the final match proves there’s nonetheless work to be achieved for the Reds.

Mario Lemina’s early winner got here from a nook the place Liverpool didn’t mark up correctly, and it isn’t an remoted incident. Arne Slot has addressed the problem many occasions in numerous press conferences.

Robertson Wants  Extra Time On The Pitch

I’ve stated all season that Andy Robertson must see extra enjoying time. In any case, there isn’t any substitute for expertise. The chart beneath exhibits that the Reds carry out higher when the Scotsman is on the pitch.

Robertson additionally had probably the greatest video games of the season in a 3-1 win vs Wolves within the FA Cup, even scoring a objective. Despite that efficiency, he didn’t see the pitch for lengthy within the loss to Galatasaray, however nonetheless managed a powerful efficiency within the LFC Globe Participant Scores. Slot would do properly to reward that kind of play with an extended run of enjoying time.

Accidents Play A Half

All of the blame can’t be positioned at Slot’s ft, nonetheless. Defenders Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Wataru Endo are out for the season, whereas others like Jeremie Frimpong have missed important time. A supervisor could make all of the changes he desires, however with that a lot expertise lacking, a staff is certain to take a step again and battle at occasions.

Have Your Say

What do you suppose is accountable for Liverpool’s defensive struggles? Slot? Accidents? The shortcoming to cease set items or one thing else? Tell us beneath.