Alan Shearer did not hold back after Liverpool’s latest defensive collapse, branding it “amateur hour” as he criticized the Reds lack of organisation and discipline
19:40, 24 Jan 2026
Former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer has delivered a blunt verdict on Liverpool's defensive display against Bournemouth(Image: Getty Images)
Alan Shearer has delivered a scathing assessment of Liverpool’s defending, branding the display against Bournemouth as “amateur hour.”
Liverpool struggled defensively in the first half, escaping with only a one-goal deficit at the break despite errors from Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez that allowed Evanilson and Alex Jiménez to score. The Reds captain pulled one back with a header from a corner, offering a glimmer of hope.
In the second half, however, Bournemouth remained largely in control, and Liverpool failed to capitalize even after Dominik Szoboszlai scored a well-struck long-range effort.
A last-minute winner from Amine Adli sealed the game, as costly mistakes continued to haunt the Reds and their wait for a first Premier League victory of 2026 extended.
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The former striker criticized the Reds’ organisation and discipline at the back, highlighting errors that proved costly and raised fresh concerns over the team’s defensive solidity. “Both goals Liverpool conceded were self-inflicted" said Shearer when the Reds were 2-1 down.
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There was a mistake from Van Dijk for the first but the second was just amateur hour. Why would you not kick it off the pitch when you're down to 10 men? They had the opportunity to do it and paid the price in the end.”