Liverpool’s defensive frailties were laid bare during a chaotic first half against Bournemouth on Saturday, as goalkeeper Alisson Becker drew the public ire of manager Arne Slot by failing to follow a direct tactical instruction.
With defender Joe Gomez visibly struggling due to an injury, both Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff reportedly “ordered Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker to put the ball out of play,” yet the Brazilian’s failure to do so allowed James Hill and Alex Jimenez to combine for a goal that handed the Cherries a 2-0 cushion.
The incident forced a desperate tactical reshuffle, with Wataru Endo entering the fray to fill a depleted backline already missing Ibrahima Konate and Giovanni Leoni.
This latest breakdown in communication underscores a troubling season for the Merseyside club, which has now conceded 32 goals in 22 matches, further highlighting the impact of missing out on winter transfer target Marc Guehi as Slot struggles to replicate the defensive solidity of his debut title-winning campaign.