Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard believes the Reds’ Premier League struggles this season are linked to the way their performances have differed in Europe—an issue he highlighted after Liverpool fell to a 2-1 defeat by Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.
Danny Welbeck scored twice for Brighton, while Milos Kerkez replied for Liverpool. It was another setback for Arne Slot’s side as they slipped points again in the fight for Champions League qualification.
Speaking as a pundit for TNT Sports, Gerrard offered his view on why Liverpool look more effective on the Champions League stage. He suggested the intensity required for those midweek matches is leaving them short on energy in league games, and that Liverpool don’t always have the right personnel available to refresh the team without weakening the level of play.
Gerrard explained that Slot was forced to rely on many of the same players, only making changes he felt he had to—rather than rotating specifically for energy—which he said “backfired” against Brighton.
The loss leaves Liverpool fifth in the Premier League, with their position potentially vulnerable depending on other results. They next play on April 4, facing Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-final, before returning to league action on April 11 against Fulham.
