Liverpool suffered a second defeat to Manchester United this season after losing 3-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday and the mood from behind the scenes has emerged
Liverpool’s loss to Manchester United on Sunday marked another low in the current Premier League champions’ season. The Reds suffered a 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford, which saw their fierce rivals secure Champions League football for the upcoming campaign.
The disappointing result did little to dent Liverpool’s own pursuit of European football, with Arne Slot’s team needing just four points from their remaining three matches to guarantee their place.
However, yet another lacklustre display has left many fans feeling frustrated ahead of a summer that will see club legends Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson depart. Rumblings of discontent within the Reds’ ranks have been aired as Slot’s post-match behaviour was widely shared online. Here, the Daily Star Sport delves into the biggest stories emerging from Anfield…
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Complaints revealed
Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko netted in the opening 14 minutes to ensure Liverpool went into the break trailing 2-0. The Reds responded with gusto as Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo found the back of the net within nine minutes of each other before Kobbie Mainoo’s 74th-minute strike sealed the win.
And Ibrahima Konate has disclosed that grievances were aired in the Liverpool dressing room about not winning enough challenges and demonstrating a stronger mentality.
The France international revealed: “It was just about the mentality. In the first half we lost many challenges on the pitch. When it was 50-50, most of them Manchester [United] won them on the pitch.
“But in the second half we just had to change it and change the mentality. This is what we have done and that’s why we scored two good goals with our pressing, with our aggressiveness. But we needed a little bit more.”
Slot sparks controversy
As Slot made his way back to the tunnel after the final whistle with his head bowed, he faced jeers from United supporters. While he refrained from a verbal response, the Dutchman replied with a straightforward hand gesture, displaying six fingers to the fans.
The Reds manager appeared to reference the six Champions League trophies Liverpool have claimed in clips that emerged on social media. Slot wasn’t the only one to respond to the United faithful.
Dominik Szoboszlai gestured towards the gold Premier League badge on his shirt sleeve after the match, with Liverpool’s reign as champions nearing its conclusion.
Slot hints at transfer overhaul again
Slot has hinted at necessary changes to the squad this summer as new signings in both full-back positions, centre-back, defensive-midfield and the forward line are all being looked at, according to Sky Sports.
Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson have announced they are leaving at the end of their contracts, while Ibrahima Konate’s contract is also heading towards expiry as things stand.
Liverpool could also enter the market for a new keeper if Alisson’s speculated move to Juventus materialises after the Turin giants made the Liverpool goalkeeper a top target this summer.
Sky Sports understands the Italian club will devote significant resources and time into trying to sign the Brazilian before next season.
The 33-year-old is about to enter the final year of his Liverpool contract in July after the club triggered an extension option in March.