Liverpool are set to take on Newcastle United at Anfield
Liverpool are set to take on Newcastle United at Anfield
Liverpool fans have called out head coach Arne Slot over his refusal to play right-back Calvin Ramsay in their Premier League clash against Newcastle United. The Reds will be aiming to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Bournemouth and claim a first league win in six attempts.
The Reds were superb in the UEFA Champions League in midweek, putting six unreplied goals past Azerbaijani outfit Qarabag to round off the league phase. Slot has made two changes to the XI that played that game, with both full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Andy Robertson dropping out.
In spite of losing both of his senior right-backs to injury, Dutch tactician Slot has opted to keep faith in Dominik Szoboszlai featuring as a makeshift defender rather than play Ramsay. The 22-year-old Scottish defender has been named on the bench as he waits for his Premier League debut for the Reds.
Liverpool fans are unhappy with Slot's decision to stick with Szoboszlai rather than give right-back Ramsay, who has been at the club since 2022, a chance. A number of them took to X to complain about the decision and call out the coach.
A fan pointed out that the Scottish youngster deserves to start the game.
Another fan sarcastically applauded the decision to play Szoboszlai at right-back.
A fan pointed out that the decision to leave out Ramsay was a 'criminal' one.
Another fan was disappointed with the decision to leave out Ramsay.
A fan pointed out that Slot has little confidence in the club's young players, asking him to stop playing Szoboszlai at right-back.
Another fan questioned the decision to play an in-form Szoboszlai at right-back ahead of a natural right-back in Ramsay.
Calvin Ramsay has appeared once for the Reds this season, playing for 90 minutes as a much-changed side lost 3-0 to Crystal Palace in the League Cup. The youngster has mostly featured for the U-21 side this season and has made a Premier League matchday squad on nine occasions before today.
Liverpool welcome Konate after three games away
Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be delighted to be able to call on defender Ibrahima Konate for the game against Newcastle United. The France international has been named in the XI for the Reds as they prepare to face the Magpies.
Konate has missed each of the last three games against Olympique Marseille, Bournemouth, and Qarabag after he was granted compassionate leave following his father's passing. The 26-year-old makes his return to the XI in place of Jeremie Frimpong, who picked up an injury in the win over Qarabag.
Liverpool are short of options at the back following an injury to Joe Gomez last week, with both Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo playing at centre-back in recent games. Slot has included teenage academy graduate Amara Nallo among the substitutes after the 19-year-old featured in midweek.