Liverpool legend Steve McManaman has raised concerns about the Reds’ defensive performance following their Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw by a determined Palace side before losing 3-2 in a penalty shootout at Wembley.
After the match, McManaman pointed to new signing Milos Kerkez as a weak link in defence, particularly in the lead-up to Palace’s first goal. The young Hungarian left-back, who arrived from Bournemouth this summer, was blamed for playing Palace attackers onside, allowing Jean-Philippe Mateta to equalise from the spot after Hugo Ekitike had opened the scoring for Liverpool.
“It was Kerkez who kept everyone onside,” McManaman told TNT Sports, as reported by the Metro. “Everyone else stepped up, but the left-back dropped back, and Palace took advantage. They were targeting that side throughout the game.”
McManaman stressed that while Palace deserved credit, both goals Liverpool conceded were avoidable and stemmed from defensive lapses.
“These are mistakes that need correcting,” he added. “The players are still adapting to each other and the new system, but there are definite defensive vulnerabilities that need addressing.”
Manager Arne Slot also expressed concern after the match, noting that while the attacking side of Liverpool’s game looks improved compared to last season, the defence hasn’t been as solid.
This may be due to the number of changes in the back line, with Jeremie Frimpong taking over from Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Kerkez potentially replacing Andrew Robertson, as seen in Sunday’s game.
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