Liverpool’s full backs have struggled at the start of this season, with Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong regularly facing criticism for their performances in matches. The pair have been identified as considerable weak links in the current Liverpool team, with much better performances expected from both players.
Like many Liverpool supporters, Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has been unhappy with their displays for the club he supports. He believes the two full-backs have been a major problem for the team, although there is still hope that their performances can improve as the season progresses.
Solbakken concerned by defensive displays
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Liverpool will probably improve with time, particularly because they are working under a different manager from the one they had last season. The new manager needs time to make his ideas understood by the players and ensure that his methods become established within the team.
Supporters will hope that process leads to better performances, but Solbakken is currently shocked by how poor both full backs have been for Liverpool this season. He believes they must improve considerably if they are to become more reliable options for the team.
He said via [Sport Witness](https://sportwitness.co.uk/manager-slams-liverpools-nightmare-fullbacks-and-reds-transfer-window/):
“The full-backs are a walking nightmare defensively. Kerkez doesn’t seem to be able to get it right, even with his old manager. Frimpong is, for me, positionally weak and better going forward than going back.”
Liverpool full backs must improve
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Solbakken’s assessment highlights the concerns surrounding Kerkez and Frimpong, particularly when Liverpool are defending. While both players are expected to contribute going forward, their defensive performances have left supporters and observers wanting considerably more from them.
Liverpool will now hope the pair can respond to the criticism and show why the club decided to have them in the squad. The change of manager could also allow them to improve as they become more familiar with the demands of the new system.
However, if their struggles continue, Liverpool may eventually decide that changes are necessary. A team like the Reds will expect its players to perform consistently, meaning Kerkez and Frimpong must improve their displays if they want to remain important members of the team.
For now, the expectation will be that both players can raise their level and address the concerns surrounding their performances. Liverpool supporters will certainly hope that happens before their struggles become a bigger issue for the team.