Liverpool marked their Champions League return with a dramatic 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield, but the post-match mood was clouded by fierce criticism from one of the club’s own icons. While praising the attacking brilliance that secured the victory, the former Red singled out Cody Gakpo and Andrew Robertson for harsh words.
“No doubt Liverpool played beautiful football and won 3-2—but those two, Gakpo and Robbo, should have been subbed off in the first half,” the legend declared. “They slowed down the tempo, killed the intensity, and made it impossible for even Alexander Isak to shine. Right now, I don’t think they’re Liverpool-type players at all. They don’t fit the system, they don’t match the energy—and if this continues, they’ll drag the whole team down.”
The comments have fuelled debate among supporters and pundits alike. Robertson, one of Liverpool’s most trusted servants, has come under scrutiny for lapses in defensive positioning this season. Gakpo, meanwhile, continues to face questions about his consistency in high-stakes matches. With Arne Slot demanding relentless energy from every position, the suggestion that two established players may be out of step with his system has raised eyebrows.
Fans took to social media in divided response—some siding with the club legend’s tough assessment, others leaping to the defence of Robertson and Gakpo, citing their contributions in previous campaigns.
Still, the warning was clear: in the Champions League, there is little margin for passengers. “They should really work on themselves—we can
