I need every player available” – Arne Slot hints at warning for FSG following Liverpool loss
Arne Slot appeared to aim a subtle but telling message at Liverpool’s decision-makers after the damaging 3–2 loss away at Bournemouth — a defeat that proved costly on multiple fronts. From a Reds perspective, the night unraveled early, starting with Alisson Becker colliding with Joe Gomez while failing to stop Evanilson from opening the scoring.
As Gomez received treatment on the sidelines, the situation worsened when Alex Jimenez struck to make it 2–0 before Wataru Endo could even be introduced — a sequence Jamie Redknapp bluntly labelled “amateurish.”
The setback came less than 48 hours after surprise reports emerged suggesting Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to sign Andy Robertson. Any potential exit for the Scot would further thin an already fragile Liverpool defence.
Robertson, 31, was introduced at half-time in place of Milos Kerkez, who endured a torrid opening 45 minutes on his return to the Vitality Stadium. Asked post-match whether Liverpool still “need” the Scottish left-back, Slot told Sky Sports:
“I think I need all my players. For me, Robbo had to come on at half-time. I always knew Milos couldn’t play another 90 minutes against such an intense Bournemouth side.
“I’d already used a substitution in the first half, which leaves only two windows, so bringing Robbo on at half-time was about making sure Milos remains available for the rest of the season.
“There are a lot of games coming up with the squad we have, and managing minutes is crucial. The last thing we need right now is another injury.”
Some may argue Kerkez’s withdrawal wasn’t pre-planned and was instead a reaction to his difficult evening — particularly his role in Jimenez’s goal — but Slot’s broader point about workload management still rings true.
With Ibrahima Konaté absent on compassionate leave and Gomez injured, Liverpool were forced to deploy seldom-used midfielder Wataru Endo at centre-back — a far-from-ideal scenario that highlights just how stretched the squad is defensively.
The prospect of Robertson leaving for Spurs is troubling not only due to his importance and connection with the club, but also because of the alarming lack of cover in defence. Slot’s insistence that he needs “all” of his players may well have been a pointed appeal to FSG to resist any January sale.
Liverpool are already heavily dependent on Jeremie Frimpong, Virgil van Dijk and Konaté staying fit, and there is now an anxious wait to assess the severity of Gomez’s injury after his collision with Alisson.
Allowing Robertson to leave this month without bringing in a defensive replacement would be an extraordinary gamble by the Anfield hierarchy. Decisions made between now and deadline day could have serious ramifications — particularly when it comes to salvaging Champions League qualification from what has become a deeply troubling season.