Steven Gerrard has weighed in on Liverpool’s tactical discourse following the club’s 3–0 Champions League victory over Marseille, suggesting that manager Arne Slot should stop dwelling on “low block” defences and focus instead on practical attacking solutions.
Speaking as a pundit after the match, the former Liverpool captain praised the performance in France and credited Slot for a clear and effective game plan. Gerrard acknowledged that Liverpool fully deserved the result, yet questioned the manager’s recurring post-match references to deep defensive setups from opponents. He noted that such issues are not new at Anfield and argued that solutions must now take priority.
Slot has repeatedly highlighted the difficulty of breaking down compact defensive shapes this season, arguing that deep-set opposition diminishes space for Liverpool’s forwards and complicates build-up play. The manager cited low blocks earlier in the campaign as a contributing factor to inconsistent domestic form, particularly in Premier League matches where Liverpool have been held to a series of frustrating draws.
Gerrard’s position is that low blocks have been a feature of Liverpool’s tactical environment for several years and that the challenge should be embraced as part of the club’s broader attacking evolution. He implied that Liverpool’s technical quality and forward line should allow them to engineer breakthroughs without leaning on structural explanations after the fact.
The win in Marseille eased short-term pressure and provided a reminder of Liverpool’s European pedigree. Slot praised Mohamed Salah’s professionalism and singled out Joe Gomez for a composed defensive performance, while acknowledging that consistency remains a key target heading into the second half of the season.
Despite strong showings in Europe, tension has simmered domestically. Liverpool’s recent run of draws has fueled debate among pundits and supporters, with questions raised about fluency in the final third and the balance between control and incision. Slot himself responded to fan frustration earlier in the week, expressing surprise at doubts over his tenure while pointing to his early achievements in English football.
Gerrard, who remains supportive of Slot’s overall approach, ultimately framed the discussion as an opportunity for Liverpool to sharpen their attacking patterns rather than revisit well-worn tactical explanations. With the season entering a decisive phase, breaking down stubborn defences may prove as pivotal to Liverpool’s ambitions as their defensive solidity or European momentum.
