Steven Gerrard savages Arne Slot’s reason for Liverpool inconsistency despite Marseille win

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Steven Gerrard has told Arne Slot to stop talking and start working on a solution for Liverpool ’s inconsistency this season. The Reds have endured a rollercoaster campaign this term.

Slot’s side are sitting pretty in the Champions League table with their 3-0 win against Marseille on Wednesday leaving them in a strong position for a spot in the last 16. That performance was at odds with some of their domestic performances thus far.

The reigning Premier League champions are fourth, albeit 14 points behind leaders Arsenal . Asked what the difference is, Slot replied that his side have issues when it comes to opposition teams setting up with a defensive structure - something not often seen in the Champions League.

He said: "I know why we're not consistent and that is mainly to do when a game is open, it is completely different than playing against a low block. You cannot compare that with the game tonight when both teams want to press and play out from the back. If we're inconsistent, it's because we struggle with low blocks.”

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He added: “If you tell me, it's nicer to approach a game when you watch games of Marseille or [Real] Madrid or Atletico Madrid or the games we've played in the Champions League.

“The teams we've faced do mainly the same as they do in the other games, whereas in the Premier League it is seven, eight, nine games before we play them in a certain style and then they play us and they completely change their style.

“Then you're standing on the line and just having ball possession and hoping something happens. Of course, we train on certain things, and we try to make small details better. As Pep yesterday said, dominating the one-v-one is crucial against low blocks.”

And while Slot was clear on Liverpool’s issues so far this season, Reds icon Steven Gerrard wasn't convinced. Speaking after the Reds' win over Marseille, the ex-midfielder claimed it was down to the Dutchman to find a way to win regardless of the setup of opponents.

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He said: “I’m really pleased for him [Slot] because it can’t be easy when you’re under that pressure, when results are not consistent. But his tactics were spot on tonight and I think he deserves a lot of praise and credit.

“But he needs to stop mentioning low blocks. Low blocks have been happening to Liverpool ever since I played and many, many years before me, that’s just the way it is.

“Teams are going to do that, they’re going to try and do everything they can to stop Liverpool. The key is, you’ve got to find the solutions. You’ve got the players to do it, you’ve got to find the solutions and then you will turn those low block games into wins, rather than draws.”

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