View 2 ImagesLiverpool manager Arne Slot has a number of problems to address following the Reds’ defeat to Brentford.(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace reinforced Gary Neville’s recent attack on Liverpool’s full-backs as Arne Slot’s side lost ground in the Premier League title race.
The full-back area has been a major problem for Slot this season, with Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez both struggling since their moves to Anfield.
The latter of the duo did score in the Reds’ 3-2 defeat to Brentford at the weekend, but couldn’t inspire Liverpool to bring an end to their winless run in the top flight.
Neville regularly voices his opinion on the Reds – something he did during a recent episode of The Overlap’s Stick To Football podcast – even if he can be left red-faced.
The former England international feels that Arsenal’s full-back options are stronger than Liverpool’s at present, with Conor Bradley and Andy Robertson also struggling so far this season.
Neville said: “When I was watching Arsenal vs Atletico, I was watching [Myles] Lewis-Skelly. Obviously Jurrien Timber played, you’ve got Ben White and [Riccardo] Calafiori.
Suggest:Gary Neville Reveals His Choice for Liverpool’s Next Head Coach
Former Manchester United legend and football pundit Gary Neville has made headlines after revealing who he believes should be the next Liverpool manager, as uncertainty continues to surround Arne Slot’s future at Anfield.
Speaking during a recent Sky Sports segment, Neville shared his honest opinion about Liverpool’s current struggles and what the club needs to return to its dominant best. The former defender emphasized that Liverpool require a manager with “strong personality, tactical bravery, and the ability to handle the massive expectations” that come with leading one of football’s most storied clubs.
“Liverpool are a massive institution — whoever comes in next has to understand what that badge represents,” Neville said. “For me, there’s one name that fits perfectly.”
According to Neville, his pick for the job would be Xabi Alonso, the current Bayer Leverkusen boss and former Liverpool midfielder. Neville praised Alonso for his impressive work in Germany, where he guided Leverkusen to a stunning unbeaten domestic campaign and built one of Europe’s most entertaining sides.
“Xabi Alonso has that calm authority, the intelligence, and the respect that every Liverpool fan would instantly rally behind,” Neville added. “He knows the club, he knows what it means to win there, and he’s already proven he can manage at the top level.”
Neville’s comments have reignited discussions among Liverpool supporters, many of whom have long viewed Alonso as the ideal successor to Jurgen Klopp. With Arne Slot still under pressure after a series of disappointing results, speculation continues to mount that the club’s hierarchy could make a bold move if performances don’t improve soon.
While Liverpool have not made any official statements regarding managerial changes, Neville’s remarks have added fuel to ongoing debates about the club’s direction and long-term strategy.
As one fan commented online, “When even Gary Neville — a United legend — says Alonso is the right man for Liverpool, you know it makes sense.”
Whether or not Liverpool’s board agrees remains to be seen, but Neville’s endorsement has certainly stirred excitement and conversation across the football world.