Longest series of bankruptcies since 2014
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Liverpool FC around the weakening German international Florian Wirtz has reached an unusual crisis mode after its fourth defeat in a row. “Of course you’re worried when you lose four times in a row. You have to worry because you know how things are going in football,” said coach Arne Slot to the British broadcaster BBC after the 1-2 defeat against rivals Manchester United. “If we continue to deliver these performances, we have a good chance of winning more games. Four defeats in a row definitely do something for the team.” The Red Devils last won in Liverpool in January 2016.
You now have to “stay humble, keep working and try to keep your self-confidence as high as possible,” said Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk (34) in view of the Reds’ longest series of defeats since November 2014, when the coach was Brendan Rodgers. “It’s an interesting time, we have to stick together.” The defense chief told the British broadcaster “Sky Sports” that they wanted to “turn things around as quickly as possible”. And calmed the nerves: “It’s a long season.”
Liverpool are four points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League. On Wednesday (9 p.m.) the English champions will be visiting Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. The unusual defensive weakness from set pieces has proven to be problematic – five goals have already been conceded in this way.
“For a team that exuded a calm but dangerous atmosphere last season, Liverpool now exudes chaos and a lack of organization, particularly in defense,” the BBC put Liverpool’s vulnerabilities in appropriate words. The Reds are vulnerable to quick counterattacks, while balls into the depths would cause problems.
Wirtz’s zero number in the Premier League continues
Liverpool is hoping for the end of a series in the Main metropolis just as offensive power Wirtz is. The 125 million euro signing has not had a goal involvement in either the premier class or the Premier League since his move from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer. He is increasingly criticized in the English media, and his coach defends him.
Against Man United, the 22-year-old only came on as a substitute for Conor Bradley in the 62nd minute, just like ex-Frankfurt player Hugo Ekitiké (23). “Florian Wirtz came into the game and created a lot again,” said Slot about the German’s performance after the defeat against Man United.