Liverpool had to save themselves from embarrassment against Southampton, coming from behind to win 3-1 at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s side got the job done in the end, but it wasn’t all plain sailing for the Reds, as a ‘sloppy’ first half performance from Liverpool nearly cost them dearly.
Will Smallbone’s opener spurred the Reds into action at half-time, with Slot making three subs at the break – a decision that would ultimately help change Liverpool’s fortunes in the second half.
One of those substitutes, Andy Robertson has since revealed what instructions Slot gave him and the other subs before coming on.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Andy Robertson reveals Arne Slot wanted more Liverpool ‘energy’ in second-half
Slot’s changes would ultimately work a treat against the Saints, with the likes of Alexis Mac Allister impressing off the bench.
Robertson also made an impact after coming on, providing some much needed quality on the left-flank after Kostas Tsimikas’ lacklustre display in the first-half.
Speaking to the Premier League post match, the Scotsman revealed that Slot told him and the other subs to bring more ‘energy’ in the second half.
“Couldn’t tell you I was running about the pitch trying to get warm, so I missed the half-time team talk.
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“The manager’s message to me, Macca and Harvey was to bring energy. So I am guessing it was something along the lines of nowhere near enough energy, nowhere near enough in our press, and on the ball, we were too slow.
“We had to up it and I think all the lads did that second half, we helped doing that but I think everyone else reacted as well and I think the second half was a lot more like us.”
Robertson proves his worth against Southampton
Robertson has been criticised by fans at points this season, but the 30-year-old showed why he’s still Liverpool’s number one left-back versus Southampton.
The Reds needed an injection of energy and positivity and the Scotsman would provide that for his side in the second half.
Having been slow and laboured on the ball in the first 45, Robertson’s positivity on the ball helped pin Southampton back in their own half – shown by his impressive total of eight passes into the final third.
Andy Robertson stats vs Southampton
Minutes played 45
Accurate passes 27/28 (96%)
Touches 41
Passes into final third 8
Duels won 1
Recoveries 2
Stats from FotMob
With Robertson’s Liverpool future still unclear, performances like that will no doubt keep him at Anfield a little while longer.