Liverpool’s tactical issues down the right-hand side against Chelsea were impossible to ignore at Anfield, and Calum McFarlane’s comments after the match have now effectively confirmed what many supporters suspected during the game itself.
Curtis Jones was deployed at right-back again by Arne Slot, but Chelsea repeatedly targeted the space around the Scouser, with Marc Cucurella causing problems throughout the afternoon.
Former Red Jason McAteer highlighted the issue immediately after the game, insisting the England international’s natural tendency to drift into midfield left Liverpool exposed defensively.
Now Chelsea’s interim head coach has openly admitted that was part of the plan.
Speaking via chelseafc.com after the 1-1 draw, McFarlane explained why Cucurella was used in such an aggressive and unusual role.
“He is not a winger, but he has played there before, he told me,” explained the Chelsea coach.
The Blues boss then added: “But even when he plays left-back or when he rolls into midfield, his movement off the ball is of a real high quality – the timing, the understanding of when to do it.”
Most significantly from a Liverpool perspective, McFarlane admitted: “So it’s something that we knew with him in that position we could maybe expose.”
That assessment lined up perfectly with what McAteer said during his analysis.
The former midfielder argued that Jones needed to stay disciplined rather than drifting centrally, particularly once Chelsea started finding joy down that flank through Cucurella’s movement.
It’s difficult to argue with the criticism because the tactical imbalance was obvious after Liverpool’s bright start faded away.
Ryan Gravenberch’s early goal should have settled Anfield, yet once Chelsea gained confidence, Liverpool completely lost control of the game.
The pressing disappeared, the defensive structure became stretched and Cucurella consistently found dangerous pockets of space.
McFarlane even admitted the Spain international was unfortunate not to register an assist.
“He was unlucky not to get an assist and he created a lot of problems for them.”
That will frustrate Liverpool supporters because Chelsea arrived at Anfield after six consecutive Premier League defeats.
Instead of building on a strong opening 20 minutes, Slot’s side once again became passive, and the growing unrest around the manager is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
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If you look back at the goal Manchester United scored and the position of Jones who was drawn into the centre, and Rio took the blame. You have to feel sorry for Jones, he’s not a right back, he doesn’t start enough in midfield.
The same with frimpong who doesn’t have the strength or ability to play as a winger.
We have one positive for next season and that is Rio Ngomoha. I was lucky enough to see owen and sterling come through the academy, and Rio is the best we’ve had since them. We have to be careful not to overplay him, but at Anfield he needs to start and play more.
You look at the current squad , and we need to build the team around szoboszlai, he’s become the most important player at the club. Every other position once Alisson, Robertson and Salah departs is up for grabs.
The story of the season, inept Chelsea who’ve everyone has beaten, with a manager who’s not got a coaching Licence gets the better of slot.
At the end of the day you either care passionately about your football club, or you don’t.
It’s now obvious that FSG, DON’T.
Update.. I think every Liverpool fan would agree we need a new right back , for one if would stop slot playing midfielders there. Michael owen came through academy he joined at 12 years old. One of best strikers at Liverpool, even though joined Manchester United. Sterling was signed from QPR and was a great player for us until GREED ruined his career.
Owen , sterling, and let’s hope that Rio can fulfil his potential at Liverpool. 17 years old.
Ramsay has now disappeared from the bench probably never to be seen again. His two appearances for us were very encouraging but Slot has frozen out our only fit right back. It will be a relief when Slot goes.
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