‘He doesn’t like’: Liverpool told 26-year-old doesn’t like where Jurgen Klopp plays him

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Stephen Warnock thinks Joe Gomez doesn’t like playing as a right-back for Liverpool because he is ‘isolated’ in one-v-one situations.

The former Liverpool left-back added that Joe Gomez ‘doesn’t look comfortable’, but he thinks this is something the club has brought on themselves.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were busy during the 2023 summer transfer window, but whilst the midfield was refreshed, including key players leaving, the defence remained untouched.

That has harmed the Reds according to Warnock because, now that Trent Alexander-Arnold is injured and James Milner is no longer at the club, it has left Jurgen Klopp ‘so light’ in those spots, as he told The Football Show on Sky Sports.

Usually, when Trent Alexander-Arnold was rested or picked up a knock, it was James Milner who would come in and fill that spot.

Yes, Gomez did play on the right side on occasions in previous years, but it’s pretty clear that the 26-year-old is at his best at the heart of the defence.

Joe Gomez at right-back

“My big concern with Liverpool is that defensively, they still look all over the place,” said Warnock. “They look lost.

“Joe Gomez. I love him. He is a fantastic player. But he’s not a right-back. He doesn’t look comfortable at right-back, at all. I don’t think he likes being isolated in one-v-one situations.

“His best games have come as a centre-back for Liverpool in recent weeks, but because of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury, James Milner leaving and Calvin Ramsey going out loan, it means they are so light in that position and it’s almost forced upon.

“It’s difficult, at the moment, in those defensive positions. But it’s their own downfall because they haven’t strengthened in defence.”

Liverpool’s defence

Whether it’s FSG or Klopp being too loyal, the lack of pro-active nature or changes to Liverpool’s backline has hurt them.

That’s one of the reasons why they dropped out of the Champions League because it’s their midfield and defence that hurt them, not the attack.

Either way, if Klopp can get his defence performing in a consistent manner this season, then forget about returning to the Champions League, they will challenge for the title.