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Tactics Tuesday - Liverpool 2- 2 Manchester Utd
18 Plays2 days ago
Tom Goward and Adarsh Ramchurn talk in depth about the draw to Man Utd on Sunday. Part 1 sees us talk about the things that went wrong for Liverpool. Part 2 is about how good Cody Gakpo has been for the Reds this season and in Part 3, we go over things that have gone well this season and things that can be improved.
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Transcript
Introduction and Match Draw
00:00:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to the Daily Liverpool Podcast brought to you by the Global Sports Podcast Network. I'm your host Tom Garrett and Liverpool share the points at Anfield as they're held to a two-wheel draw with Man United. A very disappointing result for the Reds as what felt like should have been an easy three points against the poor United side. Today I'm joined by Adash Ramchun. Adash, how's your move got better since the weekend?
00:00:31
Adarsh
Um, a little bit because I think I've taken the result into perspective and I think it's, I mean, it's just one game that's gone past. It's a draw. We didn't lose the match. We still got lots to play for this season. So I feel like I've recovered a little bit, but it's obviously still kind of disappointed. How about yourself?
00:00:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. All right. Yeah. I sort of thought about it today and I listened back to the Monday review one and Karl made a good point about nothing really was lost because Arsenal and Chelsea drew. So we've all just gained one more point each, but obviously you want to extend that gap, but there's still a long way to go and we've still got our game in hand as well.
00:00:57
Adarsh
Yeah.
00:01:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
which is always a good, well, good and a bad thing, but hopefully it works in our favor.
Post-Match Reflections
00:01:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, I'm all right. I've got over it now. So yeah, so we'll we'll go three parts a day. In part one, we'll talk about the things that went wrong on Sunday's game, um not singing out players, but talking about Jones and Trent and Robertson as well.
00:01:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
and how well United played. In part two, we'll talk about Cody Gatpo who scored that goal and how important he's been for us this season as well. And then in part three, we're obviously halfway through the season now. So we'll talk about things that have gone well for Liverpool and things that could still improve and rate the season so far overall. So let's get into it then. So obviously it's two-wheel draw. What were your initial thoughts straight after the game on Sunday?
00:01:45
Adarsh
Do you know what? ah and like Straight after the game obviously Maguire had that chance and I'm kind of grateful that we've come over the point which is crazy because At the beginning of the game, if you ask me, we'll be hanging on for a point towards the end of the match. I'll be like, well, something's definitely gone wrong the wrong in the match. um I reflect on it. I think you United are always going to give you a game, regardless of what United turn up. it's kind of It's quite reminiscent of when we were not at our best and United were kind of at their peak of their powers under Sir Alex Ferguson. And sometimes we will give them a game and kind of maybe you even beat them on the odd occasion. But we'll definitely give them a game. And sometimes it just would derail them. And it's just one of those you can't really take United for granted. i know
00:02:23
Adarsh
We've beaten them five, four, seven over the last few seasons. But I was quite fearful a little bit as well, because I was kind of I remember like the last season game we drew 0-0 and people were expecting us to hammer United. And I feel like those seven 0-0s or the four 0-0s and five 0-0s were very rare. like We had to treasure them whilst they happened. I don't think they're going to happen very often. So obviously when they do happen, it's amazing. but Yeah, I think straight after the game, I was just a bit deflated, just a bit feeling like, oh, there's a lost opportunity given the Arsenal drop points, like you mentioned, Chelsea. It would have meant that we would have got eight points clear with the game in hand, which is a great position to be in going into January. um But it didn't happen in the end. We're still in a great position. So I felt deflated initially, but all good now. So yeah.
00:03:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you think Liverpool dropped two points there or do you think we're lucky to gain a point?
00:03:10
Adarsh
You know what? like Initially, I think, yeah, it was two two points dropped. Last night, it was two points dropped. For me, and this morning tonight, I think it's a point gained when I look back on the game. I think we could have easily lost that match. um Especially like Maguire. I'm so happy it was Maguire at the end of that. i because It could have been Amad, it could have been Fernandez, it could have been someone more technically gifted on the end of that pass. But yeah, I'm just kind of... In that way, you have to count our blessings. like Yeah, we could have easily lost that match.
00:03:40
Adarsh
Likewise, you could have easily won the match as well. We had plenty of chances. We were quite dominant throughout the game as well. But um I view it as a point gained. I don't know what you think.
00:03:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I literally am the same as you. I think during the game, that first half, we you know we had that go-to-gap pro chance early on where you just put it wide. um So then if you take that moment, you go, yeah, it's definitely two points dropped. But the way they played and that goal for them was definitely coming in the second half. I think we were lucky to actually be 0-0 at halftime. So yeah, it's probably a disappointing point, but it probably is a point gained.
Liverpool's Performance Analysis
00:04:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
On that then, do you think Liverpool work well when all the players in the team are playing well? Because I feel like yesterday there were some that were playing okay or good. McAllister, both centre backs were probably our best players and maybe Gackpo. And then we had players like Jones, Robertson, Trent, ah maybe Graven Birch didn't have his best game this season for him. Do you think we work better when the whole squad is on it? and And then we saw on Sunday hand when some players are not on it, how how many problems it can cause us.
00:04:44
Adarsh
Yeah, no, definitely. I think especially because this season we've been really consistent in terms of our levels. And I think it's not just been usually in like seasons gone by. I remember like the Swara season, it was just pretty much Swara is carrying the team on his back, but it's not, it's not, that's not the case this season. It's everyone's chipping in with goals. Yes. Salah's got huge, incredible numbers, but you've got Gackpo, like you mentioned, he's chipping in with goals. You've got Diaz, you started to contribute even Jota when he's come back in terms of goals. And then in midfield, you've got a really good balance or players that are contributing.
00:05:13
Adarsh
You've got McAllister chipping in with assist and being sort of the heartbeat of the team, Gravenberg as a CDM. And then obviously defensively, well, most recently haven't been as strong defensively. But if you look at sort of the first half of this half of the season, we were really strong defensively in Canata and van Dyck. Trent as well, to be fair, obviously not speaking about last night's game, but in general, it's been quite good defensively. And then we've we've had goalkeeper issues, but on the whole been quite solid. So I think it does win when we're all you know, consistent and the moment there's momentum there, we're winning games, we're playing well, then it's great. But I think yesterday was the first sign where there was a bit of disjoint, disjointment in the team, from Trent and Jones to Robertson up times, Grafenberg didn't have his best game. Like you mentioned, Diaz, I thought in the false nine, he usually has been playing well in that position, but maybe he was
00:06:03
Adarsh
just not the game for him for him to be in that false 9 position but yeah i think i think i treat this game as like a one-off i don't think i haven't seen us play like that meant much this season and in a very long time so hopefully that's just one of those i think you're allowed like an off game for a few players
00:06:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, definitely ah do you think like obviously we've changed tactically this season and I think well you know we've been tactically good but the two fullbacks in Robertson and and Trent has not had it's not been nowhere near his best he's chipped in at times you know chipped in a goal at West Ham and has had some good games but it's not been a Trent we know and i forget all the contract or it's just not been a Trent we know is that is that maybe something that's not worked for slot is to having the two fullbacks that we've had that have been so good in gears gone by where they just bombed down the wing and they put the crosses in and sort of their roles have changed and they're not playing better do you think that's a worrying thing for slot or do you think that's just sort of he needs to buy players that maybe suit his role a bit better or his system a bit better?
Tactical Fit Debate
00:07:01
Adarsh
Do you know what? I actually think it might be the second, it might be the latter of what you just said, I think. Now Trent and Robertson have been great servants for the club. They've done amazing. Both will probably go down as Liverpool legends for what they've contributed to Liverpool, but they were very much Klopp fullbacks. They were our creative spark for a lot of our successful period under Jurgen Klopp. And obviously they do still contribute going forward, but defensively there wasn't that onus on them. if they had They obviously had to contribute defensively as fullbacks, but I just feel like when I look at Connor Bradley, and he's the the main example I look at.
00:07:35
Adarsh
He just suits slots football to absolute T.
00:07:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:07:38
Adarsh
He can do the defensive side of the game. He can contribute going forward. He's he's actually a brilliant right back. And that's what gives me hope. If Trent does leave, which is obviously looking more likely day by day, that I think Bradley will be more than capable of taking his his his place in the team.
00:07:55
Adarsh
um Left back, I think he's got a great opportunity in the summer. Maybe you could say January, but definitely to buy a left back that will be more suited to his style of play. um It does help that kind of Robertson is it it's crazy saying I think he's like 30 31 maybe like towards the end of the latter end of his footballing career.
00:08:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm, yeah yeah.
00:08:12
Adarsh
So it kind of does help that slot will probably be looking at a left back anyway. um But I think from Trent's point of view, is slightly different because he's a very unique football player and he is world-class on his day.
00:08:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:08:25
Adarsh
So I think it's a bit different for Trent than for Robertson but I think he will be looking to make his stamp on the team defensively. I think Slott will be looking at defenders as his priority signing whether that's January or in the summer.
00:08:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
and I don't want to criticise every player, um yes because like you said, it's a one-off, but I feel like we can because they've been so well this season. and One of them was Curtis Jones, who has just been phenomenal um in that midfield role. Not just yesterday, but a few times this season. In fact, there's quite a lot this season. He just holds onto the ball a bit too much. and not always positive as well. Mike holds into it and then go back. you know He doesn't really look to go forward. Is that something you'd like to see him improve? Because I feel like year on year he has improved, but that's the one thing in his game. I remember i remember that seasons to ago saying when he first broke through um and into the first team that one of his things was holding onto the ball too much. And here we are, new manager lives years later and he's still doing the same thing. It's
00:09:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is that something, if I'm slot, that you're saying to him that we need to stop? Because quick, I know he likes to build up the play slot and that's his sort of rhythm, but is it a worrying thing that Jones keeps doing it and ands not really using it to his advantage?
00:09:35
Adarsh
i think I think so because I don't know if you listen to the Gary Neville podcast, but i i listen I only listen to it when Carragher's on it just because I like Carragher.
00:09:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:43
Adarsh
But he was saying he was actually talking about Curtis Jones and saying that um he's got one of his best attributes is his football a arrogance so that he can like he can take his time on the ball, he can sort of dictate tempo, play at his own game.
00:09:54
Adarsh
um But sometimes, he said yesterday, it wasn't football arrogance, it was just arrogance. He was holding onto the ball too much, not really releasing it when when it was the right opportunity.
00:09:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:01
Adarsh
And I think that's like kind of something that I feel like, look, we and the thing is, like I think he's still what, 23, 22, 23? He's still like relatively young in his career.
00:10:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah.
00:10:11
Adarsh
He will mature, he will get better at that as time goes on. I'm um definitely sure of it, because he's got too much potential for that not to be the case. um I think as well, maybe it's kind of a little little fact of him actually just playing more games than I expected him to play this season. I thought I definitely know that Michaelis or Gravenberg and Sobersleid was going to be sort of our first Joyce midfield but obviously Sobersleid missed in the last few games. He's kind of played I think a bit more games than he would have expected or maybe Slott would have wanted to um utilize him in that role.
00:10:41
Adarsh
I also do think there's a part of it, which is he's better suited in that deeper role, like you mentioned, rather than that number 10, because he likes, like you said, he likes to dictate the tempo, keep the ball.
00:10:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:10:51
Adarsh
I think he's great. well you When he's at his best, he can get the ball from the defense and sort of dictate the play, drive with the ball, link up with Gravenberg and the wing backs and kind of go from there. I think that's when he's at his best.
00:11:02
Adarsh
I think the game against Chelsea stands out where he was just unbelievable that day.
00:11:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:11:07
Adarsh
And then you can make those like late runs past Grafenberg into the midfield. But is like is it is a slight worry. And I think when Solskjaer does come back in the team, I think he gives a good chance for Jones to sort just have a bit of a break from them from the from the team, I guess.
00:11:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah and on yeah know Moving away from Liverpool, United yesterday, we know how poor they've been this season, we don't need to talk about them and their league position, but how impressed were you that
Manchester United's Tactical Performance
00:11:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
yesterday? you They gave it a good go at Anfield as well. sort of What do you think they did differently? I don't know how much United you've watched this season, but what do you think they did well yesterday to cause an upset for Liverpool?
00:11:42
Adarsh
Yeah, I mean, I hate praising United just because it is United, but if i have to yeah that I mean, from from their point of view, I think.
00:11:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I don't want to praise him. I don't want to praise him. I just say, what do you think they did well?
00:11:54
Adarsh
Because when Amorim first came in, I think the system free was it 343 usually plays and maybe it's like 3, 4, 2, 1, whatever, like you want to look at it.
00:11:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:12:03
Adarsh
I think at first I wasn't sure how it would fit with this United team. I just don't think they had the personnel, but I thought yesterday was the best application of their formation and his tactics that they would. want to play it looked when I've seen him like the stuff that he's done at sporting it was very similar to that performance that United put on yesterday obviously it's still a long way to go for them for them to be anywhere near that level but I think the midfield two was really impressive I think Maino and Agate were Very, very good.
00:12:31
Adarsh
I think they were playing one, two touch. They were driving with the ball. They covered the ground really well. And when you've got those three center backs and one of them pushing in, I think that's what they did really well from a tactical point of view. It was usually Martinez, but sometimes Maguire came flying in, Delict as well at points.
00:12:45
Adarsh
So I think they are kind of getting used to the system. And I think this was the best they've operated the system so far from a, definitely from a defensive point of view, but also just in game possession, I thought.
00:12:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm. Hmm.
00:12:56
Adarsh
at times in that first half, they were, it felt like, which is kind of crazy to say, it felt like at times they were the home team, dictating the, creating the chances.
00:13:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah yeah.
00:13:04
Adarsh
um And then from a defensive point of view, they caused Trent all sorts of problems.
00:13:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:13:07
Adarsh
I mean, Fernandez coming in on, sort of tucking in on that left-hand side and then going forward to press Trent, Dallow as well. Even Hoyland, I think, was kind of making his runs towards Trent's side as well, which kind of left Trent very outnumbered and then obviously not performing to his best of his ability, but Yeah, they did they did perform well. They was definitely positive from their point of view. They probably would have thought they could have won the game. um But yeah, i definitely I'm not going to talk too much positive about them because it's united. But I do think they they definitely did cause us problems. And so my worry is, if other teams are looking at how to stop us, they might look at that united performance and take something from it. That's my only concern, I would say.
00:13:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah definite i thought ugate was good just said I feel like anything he did, it the ball just stuck to him or the ball just came to him.
00:13:54
Adarsh
Yeah.
00:13:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
I used to play football with a guy who could just get the ball. No matter what he did, the ball would just stay. And there was that pass at the end where just before Harry Maguire missed it, he just played that. I was like, how the hell has he done that?
00:14:04
Adarsh
Yeah, I was a brilliant policy.
00:14:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
But so for pla but we're not praising him. That's all the praise are going to get from us. So we'll just take a quick break now and we'll get into part two of this podcast.
Cody Gakpo's Role and Form
00:14:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Perfect, so I want to just talk about one player first, because we've given a lot of praise to Salah, rightly so, and maybe McAllister as well, but one player that's sort of improved so much this season is Cody Gackpo, just how, it was his 12th goal yesterday of the season, how impressed have you been with him so far?
00:15:02
Adarsh
I've been so impressed. I think he's the player that when we were first linked with him and seeing those clips of him at PSV cutting in on the left and just smashing it. I'm so glad I get to see that player now in the Liverpool show. And I think on the slot, he's definitely kind of adapted his game. He's kind of definitely more of an outball. And I think one of the the best things about GACPO is he's been a real big game player for us this season in the big moments when we've needed him. I remember away at Brighton getting those two goals and then at home to Brighton equalising for us he got I mean obviously the goal yesterday which was which was brilliant but he's got some really big goals and big games for us this season I think if he continues to perform at this level I feel like it's very very early days still but we've kind of since Mane's left not really had the out and out winger that can really chip in with goals and assists I know Diaz has at times but
00:15:54
Adarsh
he's kind of a bit inconsistent with that. And I think if Gackpo, which is what he's seeming to do, bring that consistency to his game in terms of goals, assists, contributions, being a threat. I think he will keep I think in my eyes, he's already nailed that left wing position. I think he's our best left wing. I think now it's just a toss up between Jota Nunez and Diaz, who plays in the number nine position, in my point of view. And that's how well that's testament to Gackpo and how well he's done this season.
00:16:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you think it's helped having sort of a Dutch manager come in and help him? You know, ill probably our most two improved players this season have been Graven Birch and Gackpo are both Dutch. So do you think that's sort of played a part, having Slott as a Dutch manager, sort of helping him?
00:16:33
Adarsh
Yeah, I definitely think so as well, because I think I'm pretty sure Slott got announced before the Euros, right? So I'm, I'm sure like Gravenberg had a lot of time to sort of work on, um, on the, on the training pitch in preseason with Slott and have that time to learn the but the CDM position and get accustomed to that whilst Gravenberg, well Skakpo sorry, at the Euros was performing at really high level.
00:16:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:16:53
Adarsh
I think it was joint top scorer at the Euros as well. And he caused a lot of threats, a lot of teams playing on that left-hand side. So I think from Slott's point of view, he must've seen that and thought, yeah, that's, that's what that's what I need from my left-winger. I think because of Diaz's reputation and kind of how well he has played in previous seasons was always going to be the first choice and I think that's what I give a lot of praise to Slott because he could have easily thrown Gackpo in straight away. Kind of like what he's done with Gravenberg but Gravenberg's the CDM position we've I mean we've talked about his position so much on the Liverpool podcast but just as Liverpool fans in general about getting a number six and I feel Gravenberg was kind of like okay this is our lot this is my last chance this is our last chance to find a solution within the club
00:17:32
Adarsh
of getting someone for that number six position. And he's he's he's owned that position brilliantly. um But with Gackpo, I think it took a bit of time for him this season. I think that Brighton away game where he scored those two goals really kick-started his season. And since then, he's just not looked back. And I think, yeah, having that Dutch manager, someone who knows the Dutch league, how to adjust as well. And I think it just makes it easier and like knowing you've got someone who understands your game, understands what it's like to move from the Dutch league to the Premier League will definitely have helped both of them.
00:18:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
And obviously, you know, under Klopp he played up front in some games as well and he said he preferred being on the left wing. Do you think now he's settled on that left wing and and Diaz is the now the one that sort of moved up front. um that's Do you think that's helped him as well, sort of having a settled position and he knows every week that he's either going to start on the left wing or or be on the bench and come on to the left wing? Do you think that's helped him mentally?
00:18:24
Adarsh
Yeah, no, definitely. I think he he definitely looks way more comfortable on the left-hand side. um I feel like up front, he looked like it was kind of very clunky. I feel like he was good at his link-up play. He definitely did a great job for us up front. But he just didn't feel natural to him. And I feel like he loves his best attributes dribbling and cutting in on the left-hand side and having a shot, giving getting across into the box. And I feel like if you take away that massive part of his game and probably his best skill and his best attribute, then you're going to get a player that's half the half the quality.
00:18:54
Adarsh
um Whilst with Diaz I feel like, actually whilst he's good on the left wing, he's actually really effective when he's in the box and can play in those pockets and pick it up in spaces where defenders don't want to go tight to him because he can just pull away or do a great great bit of skill and um have a shot. So I think it definitely suits Gackpo being on the left hand side and it actually suits Diaz actually being more central because I thought Sometimes on the wing with Diaz, he can be a bit ineffective, bit unproductive. um He's kind of doing a bit of nothing whilst doing something at points in in the game. So I think it suits both of them, both of them, that tactical change that Slots made. And from Gecko's point of view, he can just, he knows that. that Now um he I'm putting in better performances than Diaz on the left wing. So I i don't see any reason why he would move him from that position.
00:19:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and obviously, what I like about him is he just sort of gets on with it. There's no other real drama with him, you know, online or whatever. He just turns up and eighty he's just getting better and better. And obviously, his cold celebrations as well.
00:19:51
Adarsh
Yeah.
00:19:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
That one yesterday where he just sort of stood there and then Van Dyke's there and just that sort of chest bump as well.
00:19:52
Adarsh
and
00:19:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I really like that from him and I'm really happy that he's sort of like,
00:19:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
come a part of the first team now and and give slot a headache, you know, because Diaz can play on the left, so you sort of think Giotto and Nunez are the strikers competing for a position and now Diaz and, but I think you're right, I think Gappo that is his left wing position now and it's up to the other three to to play up front, so I'm really good.
00:19:59
Adarsh
Yeah.
00:20:13
Adarsh
yeah
00:20:16
Adarsh
Yeah, just just on that, just on that, actually, because I feel like in that celebrate, it sounds like a very, like little point, but he, when he celebrates his goals recently, he's just like, he knows he is the player for that position in a way that he's just so confident.
00:20:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:20:28
Adarsh
And he, I mean, he had times actually the seven nil game. I remember him celebrating like in front of the cop. when he chipped De Gea like kind of in a similar way but I just think he just he just feels comfortable and confident and he knows what he can do in that position and it's kind of a bit of arrogance which is like the the good arrogance we were talking about with Jones at points which is which is a good part of his game.
00:20:49
Adarsh
Gackbo has some some of it as well and you can see it when he's when he scored that goal yesterday it was just like yeah I just yeah that's I just sold the Licht and I put it in the top corner like yeah that's what I can do
00:20:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
no and And his finishes have been good this season. that They've not been easy goals. like That one yesterday, he still has a bit of work to do.
00:21:03
Adarsh
Yeah.
00:21:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
He sent the lip to an early shower. but And then like to get the finishing, like it wasn't the widest angle and yeah to hammer it and his power on his shots.
00:21:08
Adarsh
Yeah.
00:21:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
as well, it's unbelievable. so um And they're only just gonna get better and better. So I'm looking forward to seeing more of him. We'll just take another break now and then we'll get onto the last part of the pod.
Season Review and Manager's Impact
00:21:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right, so the last part then, we're obviously halfway through the season now, 19 games in, we've got the game in hand, but what what's your overall summary of the first part of the season with life under slot?
00:21:59
Adarsh
Oh, um, if I had to give him a rating out of 10, it'll probably be nine out of 10. I think it's been excellent. I don't think, whilst I thought we would be a threat in the title race, I didn't think we'll be in the position that we're in. Um, he's, he's done amazing to get the best out of players that we've already spoken about. Gravenberg, Gackpo, but players like Jones as well, Michaela stuff, who like has never been as influential as he has been in a noble shirt.
00:22:23
Adarsh
Salah with his numbers, Van Dijk and Canate when they were at their best. but Earlier on in the season I thought like this is the makings of a championship winning team so no he's done amazing so far this season I think.
00:22:36
Adarsh
The last probably, I'll say post the Man City game is where I think things have been a bit, you start to see a few like performances that aren't to the level that we kind of set at the beginning of the season. I think we'll probably touch on, I split this half of the season into two halves. So I've got the first quarter, which is like, we were so great defensively, but we weren't really blowing teams away. It was probably like one goal, two goals, the occasional three goals, but we weren't like explosively attacking.
00:23:05
Adarsh
the second quarter is like we were scored the six against Tottenham the five against West Ham we've got three against Leicester three against Newcastle scoring loads of goals but on the flip side defensively we kind of lost a little bit of that structure and defensive solidness that's been so great for us this season so that's something that yeah it's a bit of a worry for me so far but I mean overall I i couldn't be happier what about you?
00:23:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you think? Yeah, I mean, yeah, I'll give him a nine out of 10 as well. But you just mentioned on some of the cracks, I'll get onto what I think in a minute, but you mentioned some of the cracks there, like, is that what we were sort of expecting before the season started to see these one or two errors? But because we've been so well, you know, we started the season well, and we're fortunate enough teams around us have dropped points, and we've got the likes of City, nowhere near the city of old or, you know, what they've been for the last few seasons. But do you sort of think, okay, we can't be too harsh on these cracks,
00:23:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's what we sort of expected anyway. It just so happens that we've been so well, doing so well before this.
00:24:04
Adarsh
Yeah I think and as well you can't you can't kind of predict that Arsenal were gonna not be us. I thought Arsenal would take the season by the scruff of the neck and like, yeah, make sure that no one else even has a chance of winning it. But that hasn't really been the case. They've kind of actually struggled for consistency. I mean, they've only won just over 50% of their games. They've drawn a lot of games this season. City, no one could have predicted their downfall. um So we are kind of, that there is a little bit of luck you need to win the Premier League. And Slots just found that this season, the standards of the top teams in particular has kind of not been the same. um But at the same time, he's kind of
00:24:42
Adarsh
taken advantage of that. And kind of with the players that he's inherited, he's kind of kind of done similar to what Klopp did and kind of maximized the most out of what he's got. um And this is without him making any major signings. We're yet to see the the best of Kiesa, Marmadas, Phillies, goalkeeper that will come in the summer. So he's not really made major signings in key positions yet. And once once he can do that, and once he can put his own stamp on it, I think that's when you can actually really start to judge slot as a as more of a manager, if that makes sense. Because tactically, I think he's brilliant. I think he he sets up the team to to do a job. I think one of the best things about us this season is that we're able to adapt depending on the game state and depending on the game the manager um the manager, the team we're playing against, but probably last the law the last match against United, actually. um So that's definitely something that I think is ah is another positive from slot this season. and
00:25:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've got a question for you because I've got a United fan messaging me during the game and he said I might be poking the bear but he said how the hell are you guys top of the league? So my question is do we deserve to be top of the league or are we sort of lucky that other teams haven't been performing? Obviously we've we've only lost one game so you know on paper we deserve to be top of the league but in your opinion do we deserve to be top of the league or are we just sort of a bit fortunate as well as playing good football?
00:26:01
Adarsh
First of all, I want to know who that friend is because they're not in the position to be talking about if we deserve to be told the league.
00:26:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, exactly.
00:26:08
Adarsh
But I think and know in all syria seriousness, I think yeah we do because I think people like, yes, we've had a little bit of a blip recently, but and so like over the course of the season, losing only one match. the If you take the draw against Fulham, we were down to 10 men. Newcastle's tough place to go. What was the other draw we had? Arsenal away, tough place to go. And then unit United is probably our only game where we're kind of like, I think the United and Forest are the only games where you're like, hmm, we could have done better in that game. But then look at Forest now, they're flying the season. United ah have got a new manager. so'
00:26:40
Adarsh
those are the only games we haven't won, those five, and the rest of them we've we've won, and we've been quite convincing in a lot of those games. So but if I think we definitely deserve to be top of the table, and the only way to to guarantee that you're going to be top of the table is to keep winning matches, and I think...
00:26:54
Adarsh
um I mean, if Arsenal had won as many matches as we have, they'll be top of the table, and they and all their fan base will be saying, look, but we deserve to be top, but they're not top.
00:27:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:27:04
Adarsh
So, yeah, I guess, i guess ah like, yeah, I don't care how we how we're top of the table, or if if we deserve to be as long as we are, that's that's the most important thing.
00:27:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you you that's such a good point. I think you summed that up perfectly. like And also, you you say a blip, but our blip has not been nowhere near an arsenal blip, you know drawing those games, the city blip. you know Chelsea have fallen off massively in the last few weeks.
00:27:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
um in terms of the title race. So we we to us, the blip is nowhere near as bad for what it's been for other teams. And and to you know we've won all those games. And to beat City and Madrid in the space of four days like we did as well, you don't do that by not being playing good football.
00:27:44
Adarsh
Yeah.
00:27:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
So you know I did say to him, I'm not going to get involved. But I think we do deserve i think we do deserve to be top of the league.
00:27:49
Adarsh
yeah
00:27:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
So you also talked about the things that have gone well and and and and okay the some of the defensive areas but what for the rest for the other half of the season you know we're still in all the competitions both cups and the champions league what sort of of things that we need to see different improve you know that could be signing or um different players getting more of a chance and stuff like that so what do you think
00:28:14
Adarsh
I definitely think the second point he just made around other players getting
Youth Integration and Rotation
00:28:19
Adarsh
a chance. I think so one of my criticisms of of slot, and I think a lot of Liverpool fans actually for the first time in the United match were thinking the slot should have been a bit more proactive with his changes and a bit quicker and responded quicker. He has obviously gone with that settled starting 11. He trusts a lot. He kind of doesn't like to tinker the team as much.
00:28:40
Adarsh
I think that's the one thing I would want to see more of this season going into the second half. And I think that will come ultimately because we'll be in, well, we've got the two semi-finals, we've got FA Cup, we've got Champions League.
00:28:51
Adarsh
well pretty much already through to the knockouts of that as well. So um there's bound to be more players coming in, but I just think you've got to trust the rest of the squad. I think I know Simicast isn't sort of a beloved Liverpool fan, like in terms of the fan base don't really love him, but I feel like sometimes you need to rest Robertson, kind of give him a bit of a rest and play him. Obviously Gomez is out injured, but it was great to see him have more games for the last few games before you were injured. Elliott, Harvey Elliott, I want to see him play a lot more than he is playing. I think he can contribute a lot in terms of that creativity that sometimes we we kind of lack in some games endo from a defensive point of view I was really glad when he came on for a large amount of that West Ham game because I thought he put in a brilliant performance he's been he's always been a top performer for us so I like to see him play more so I think yeah just rotating the squad utilizing what we have
00:29:39
Adarsh
Because we without investing a lot in the summer, we've got, arguably, you'd say on paper, for the best squad in the Premier League, we've got two players for every position that are of high quality. So that's where I'll say from Slott's point of view, like give other players a chance. to give You know, if a particular midfield with Elliott and Endo, I'd say, is the two I'd want to pick out. But I think, from a results point of view, I think it's just, we've got tricky away games. And I think that's the thing that's going to, if we're going to improve, I think our performance level has to improve for those tricky away games. I think we've got like City away, Chelsea away, who else do we have away? We've got like Brighton, Villa, Everton, who whos that was a game in hand. So we've got some tough away games. And I think we can't play those games like,
00:30:23
Adarsh
like we did yesterday, if if we're going to get anything from those games, we've got to be ah a lot better, basically.
00:30:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's good that you mention Harvey Elliott because I think I'm his biggest supporter, I love him. And I had him down as young player of the year this year, but obviously he went on to have that injury. That was before that happened, so it was unfortunate. But also we've got those players out on loan. I just want to touch on a quick doke and by Tetich. Obviously he might be leaving Salzburg to go to Real Betis on loan and obviously offers have come in for doke. do Maybe we don't recall them now, but sort of going forward, like if doke leaves,
00:30:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'll be quite disappointed.
00:31:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Sort of, I read the other day maybe because it might be for financial reasons and sort of, I think, get 30 million for him and that frees up some money and the wage. But he's, we knew he was unbelievable.
00:31:00
Adarsh
Mm.
00:31:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Liverpool knew he was unbelievable when they bought him. He's been sensational for Middlesbrough this season in the first part, albeit in the championship. Would you like to see them feature more, even if we've recalled them, I don't think that's going to happen, but recording this January or looking forward to next season, and having sort of, okay, Endo might leave in the summer, but we've got Bartetich there. And, you know, if Salah goes, then we've got Keza and Doak, or if Keza's not working out for Keza, maybe he moves on or whatever. But would you like to see them all next season sort of play a part in in the future of Liverpool?
00:31:45
Adarsh
I think so. I definitely want to see, if anything, I actually do want to see a lot more of the younger players sort of getting an opportunity, I think. I mean, i've i can't read apart from Nioni, he's probably been the one that's kind of featured in a lot of the Cup games. I wouldn't really class Tyler Morton as a youngster because I think he's still a young player, but I feel like he should be getting a lot more minutes as well. So I think Yeah, there's definitely players there that I think Slott would want to build that trust with them and build that, you know, repertoire of them, no understanding what it's like to play under his style of football.
00:32:18
Adarsh
um But in terms of Ben Dougard, like, he he's incredible. I mean, what he's been doing this season in the middle of, I think they're pretty middle of around the playoff positions at the moment in championship, like he's played a key part in that in that team.
00:32:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:32:30
Adarsh
And if he can get them promoted at the end of the season, I don't see why. he doesn't feature for Liverpool next season. I think he's he's a real talent. He's still what, 19 years old? um And I think he had, it was at last season, he had a bit of an injury and he kind of missed, I think pretty much most of the season.
00:32:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Most of the season, yeah.
00:32:45
Adarsh
Yeah. So I feel like it so it's it's a good reminder to a lot of Liverpool fans, but to slot as well, like he's, he's definitely a huge talent. And we've got some really exciting youngsters coming through.
00:32:56
Adarsh
Like I mentioned, I only already, there's Ngooma who came from Chelsea.
00:32:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm.
00:33:00
Adarsh
So I want to see definitely a lot more of them, kind of even if it's featuring for a few minutes or getting those games in the cup. um That's definitely something I want to see moving forward.
00:33:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
And hopefully the game against Atkinson Stanley. We always seem to struggle. so I don't know why. Hopefully against that game next Saturday, I believe, isn't it? um We can see some of them. And yeah, Tyler Morton as well. I am i went to Southampton Hull ah last year. um No, yeah, it was at Hull, wasn't he, with Carl Vallejo? And I thought he was really good. They won that game, Hull, and I think he played a vital role in that midfield. and I was like, oh, I want to see more.
00:33:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he's sort of been in the squad and he's been on the bench and stuff and champion's league games.
00:33:38
Adarsh
yeah
00:33:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
But um he just sort of needs, without being horrible, but sometimes players need the the person in their position to have an injury. And then they sort of come in sort of like what Connor Bradley did, right?
00:33:48
Adarsh
yeah
00:33:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Trent ha was injured quite a bit last season, came in and now he proved himself. I think Tyler Morton almost needs to think, okay, I know it's horrible and and we need the players and I wouldn't wish it.
00:33:56
Adarsh
That's true, yeah.
00:34:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
But for him, he might be thinking, I need like maybe Jones and McAnister to be injured or yeah that lucky break and um yeah so it's the future's bright and you know we've still got a long way to go for for the season but I don't see why we can't I think we said you and I said last week about winning at least a double this season so that would be good
00:34:05
Adarsh
Yeah, a lot of luck is great. Yeah.
00:34:21
Adarsh
Yeah.
00:34:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
That'll be good, but that's all for today. You've been listening to the Daily Liverpool Podcast, brought to you by the Global Sports Podcast Network. Make sure to follow the show to get the latest content when it drops and follow us on social media at GSP in Liverpool. We'll see you again tomorrow. Adarsh, thank you for being with me and thank you for listening.