Andy Cole was critical of Alisson Becker on talkSPORT and claimed that the Liverpool goalkeeper was trying to be ‘too clever’ during his side’s 4-1 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.
It was a game to forget for Liverpool’s previously reliable shot-stopper, who made not one, but two mistakes during the game.
After years of success, including winning the European Cup and the Premier League title, these Liverpool players are now in unfamiliar territory.
Last season, ‘monster mentality’ was used to describe Liverpool, well that’s needed in bucket loads now, as Cole shared his thoughts on Alisson’s mistakes from the weekend.
“He’s too comfortable,” said Cole. “When you are in that position, you become too comfortable.
“He’s letting it know that I am all in control here. When he has the chance to send it long, he tries to make another pass out to the left-hand side.
“And he gets it all wrong. Foden gets in and once he gets in those positions, no-one’s going to stop him, he cuts it back and Ilkay Gundogan scores.
On his second mistake: “He should know better. He should know he’s made a mistake on the second goal, once it comes back to him again then just put your foot through it and go long – But he’s trying to be too clever.”
Alisson’s mistake will be the least of Liverpool’s worries because they know it’s a one-off and he’ll bounce back.
But what is now becoming a regular occurrence is their performances, especially going forward.
The lack of balance in this Liverpool side, because of injuries, is now becoming apparent, and if things don’t change quickly, then Champions League football might just be out of the picture for next season.
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