Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard believes the Reds lack squad depth to compete in both the Premier League and Champions League after their defeat to Brighton left them battling for top four
15:58, 21 Mar 2026
Steven Gerrard speaking after a Liverpool defeat
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Steven Gerrard has a theory on Liverpool's struggles(Image: TNT Sports)
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard reckons Arne Slot currently doesn't possess the squad depth needed to fight on both Champions League and Premier League fronts after the Reds' loss to Brighton.
The Reds presently find themselves fifth in the table, scrapping for Champions League qualification, having suffered 10 defeats in a campaign for the first time in ten years.
Despite heavy investment before the season, which witnessed the club fork out over £400million on players like Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, Gerrard believes Slot lacks the bench options to rotate successfully.
Hugo Ekitike during Liverpool's clash with Brighton & Hove Albion
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Liverpool were beaten on Saturday(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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The Dutchman is currently without Mohamed Salah and Isak, and finds himself having to make enforced alterations. :We have seen it quite a few times this season now where they put a lot of effort, perform really well on the Champions League stage," Gerrard said.
"And all the emotion and all the energy and the intensity you have to put in those games to win or get a result, it's having a big effect on them at the weekend.
"They haven't got the options in the squad or on the bench to really make numerous changes to bring that energy or quality into the team to perform at the same level they do in midweek.
"He had to play a lot of the same players today, he made a couple of changes that were forced on him. But the manager wants to keep the change, rather than make changes for energy and it backfired today."
Slot is well aware of the pressure he's under, despite his achievements last season. "There's always pressure at Liverpool, on me and the players. It's completely normal," he admitted after the defeat to Brighton, reports the Mirror.
"We've qualified for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and the Champions League, and in the league we need to make sure we qualify too.
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"As much as I disliked us losing today, Brighton away has always been a difficult one and will keep being if they keep bringing in the quality of players they do.
"There are other games, like last week being 1-0 up in the last minute against Tottenham and not winning, but away at Brighton a club like Liverpool should be able to get a result."