Liverpool’s 2–0 victory over West Ham may have delivered three crucial Premier League points, but not even the win could mask the frustration radiating from manager Arne Slot. After the match, Slot delivered one of the most blunt and emotionally charged assessments of a player under his watch since arriving at the club. His target was none other than left-back Milos Kerkez.
Slot admitted in his post-match briefing that he regretted starting Kerkez, stating plainly that the defender “did absolutely nothing” and nearly cost Liverpool the game before late interventions from Isak and Cody Gakpo salvaged the win. In a league dominated by managerial diplomacy, Slot’s honesty was startling, raw, and instantly headline-worthy.
Kerkez’s performance had been heavily criticised online long before Slot made his comments public, but the manager’s words have now amplified the debate. What exactly went wrong? How alarming was the defender’s showing? And what does this mean for Liverpool’s January plans? This report breaks down every angle in Sportskeeda style.
ARNE SLOT’S EXPLOSIVE POST-MATCH COMMENTS
Slot’s remarks came during the second round of media questions, after journalists noted Liverpool’s defensive instability throughout the match.
“I regret starting him yesterday,” Slot said. “Kerkez did absolutely nothing. Every instruction we gave him, he ignored. Every duel, he lost. Every transition, he was late. If not for Isak coming to our rescue, it could have been hell for us.”
He added that Liverpool’s structure on the left collapsed multiple times due to Kerkez’s positioning errors. West Ham continuously targeted his side, especially in the first half, overwhelming Liverpool’s back line with diagonal runs and overlap combinations.
The Dutch manager was visibly disappointed, and according to club insiders, he had already confronted Kerkez in the dressing room before meeting the press.
WHAT WENT WRONG WITH KERKEZ | TACTICAL BREAKDOWN
1. Positioning Errors
Kerkez repeatedly drifted high upfield and failed to recover in time, leaving Liverpool exposed. West Ham’s wingers found enormous space behind him, forcing Van Dijk and Konaté to cover wide areas.
2. Poor Ball Progression
Slot’s system relies heavily on full-backs advancing with intelligence and composure. Kerkez struggled under pressure, giving away possession cheaply in dangerous zones.
3. Weak Defensive Duels
The defender lost most of his one-on-one battles. West Ham quickly recognised him as the weak point and directed their attacks toward him.
4. Lack of Urgency Off the Ball
Slot expects aggressive pressing triggers from his defenders, but Kerkez reacted late to almost every movement, allowing West Ham numerical superiority during transitions.
These issues combined to make Liverpool’s left flank the most unstable part of the team throughout the match.
ISAK AND GAKPO SAVE THE DAY
Slot highlighted two players who prevented disaster: Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo.
Isak, who has been in exceptional form since arriving at Liverpool, again showed why Slot demanded his signing. His equaliser came at a moment when Liverpool looked mentally absent, restoring belief and shifting the momentum.
Gakpo delivered the match-winning moment with cold composure, a finish that exemplified his evolution under Slot. According to club data analysts, Gakpo covered more ground than any forward on the pitch and produced more progressive carries than West Ham’s entire front line combined.
Slot acknowledged both players as the reasons Liverpool escaped humiliation.
“Without them,” he said, “we would be discussing a very different outcome today.”
LOCKER-ROOM REACTION | SOURCE INSIGHTS
Team insiders reported that the dressing room atmosphere was tense after Slot confronted Kerkez. Several senior players were visibly frustrated during the game, including Alisson and Van Dijk, who both openly gestured at Kerkez on multiple occasions after defensive lapses.
One source described the interaction as “uncomfortable but necessary,” adding that Slot has set extremely high standards for defensive discipline.
Kerkez remained silent after the confrontation and reportedly left the stadium without speaking to the press.
FANS REACT STRONGLY ONLINE
Liverpool supporters flooded social media platforms with strong criticism of Kerkez’s performance. Several fan pages described it as his “worst game in a Liverpool shirt,” while others questioned whether he was ready to compete at Premier League level under a demanding system.
A trending theme among fans was the belief that Andrew Robertson may be restored as the undisputed starter once fully fit. Many also argued that Liverpool must recruit another full-back in January if they intend to challenge for the title.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR JANUARY
Arne Slot has insisted since the summer that Liverpool’s squad is still evolving. Kerkez was viewed as a developmental signing—high potential, raw, talented, but in need of structure.
However, after this display and Slot’s unusually blunt criticism, the club’s sporting department may accelerate their plans to bring in a more experienced left-back. Sources have suggested that at least two names are already being reviewed.
Slot’s message was unmistakable: mistakes at full-back cannot be tolerated in a system built on precision, aggression, and defensive balance.
AN ISSUE SLOT CANNOT IGNORE
While Liverpool secured the win, the match exposed their vulnerability on the left side. With tough fixtures ahead, Slot cannot afford recurring errors at the back. The Premier League table is unforgiving, and margins are razor thin.
Kerkez has the talent to bounce back, but the public nature of Slot’s criticism shows just how serious the situation has become.
Liverpool won—but their defensive flaws were unmistakable.
And for Arne Slot, one truth remains clear: he regretted the decision before the final whistle even blew
