“Arne Slot seemingly sends subtle message to FSG following Liverpool defeat: ‘I need all my players.’”
Arne Slot appeared to aim a subtle but firm message at Liverpool’s hierarchy after the Reds’ damaging 3-2 defeat away at Bournemouth — a loss that carried multiple consequences.
From a Liverpool perspective, the evening unravelled in chaotic fashion. Alisson Becker inadvertently collided with Joe Gomez while failing to stop Evanilson from opening the scoring, setting the tone for a night to forget.
As Gomez received treatment on the touchline, the situation worsened when Alex Jimenez doubled Bournemouth’s lead, with Wataru Endo yet to be introduced. Jamie Redknapp did not hold back, branding the episode “amateurish.”
The defeat came less than 48 hours after reports emerged claiming Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to sign Andy Robertson — a move that would further thin an already fragile Liverpool defence. The 31-year-old was introduced at half-time in place of Milos Kerkez, who struggled during a difficult first half on his return to the Vitality Stadium.
Slot: ‘I need all my players’
Asked post-match whether Liverpool still require Robertson, Slot told Sky Sports:
“I think I need every player available. In my view, Robbo had to come on at half-time. I always knew Milos couldn’t handle another 90 minutes against such an intense Bournemouth side.
“I was already forced into a substitution in the first half, leaving only two windows remaining, so bringing Robbo on at the break ensured Milos remains fit for the rest of the season.
“There are a lot of matches ahead with the players we have, and managing minutes is crucial. The last thing we need right now is another injury.”
A message to FSG?
Some may argue that Kerkez’s substitution was reactionary rather than planned, particularly after his involvement in Jimenez’s goal. However, Slot’s emphasis on squad management underlines a wider issue.
With Ibrahima Konaté unavailable on compassionate grounds and Gomez forced off injured, Wataru Endo was required to fill in at centre-back — a clear illustration of how stretched Liverpool’s defensive resources currently are.
The prospect of Robertson departing for Spurs is unsettling not only because of his importance to the club, but also due to the glaring lack of depth in defence. Slot’s insistence that he needs “all” his players may well be interpreted as a warning to FSG against sanctioning the Scot’s exit this window.
Liverpool are already heavily dependent on the fitness of Jeremie Frimpong, Virgil van Dijk and Konaté, with limited cover available. Meanwhile, concern remains over the severity of Gomez’s injury following his collision with Alisson.
Allowing Robertson to leave in January without securing a defensive replacement would represent a huge gamble by the club’s hierarchy — one that could seriously jeopardise Liverpool’s hopes of salvaging Champions League qualification from an already turbulent campaign.
