Liverpool may have launched their Champions League campaign with a thrilling 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid, but celebrations were overshadowed by scathing criticism from one of the club’s former greats.
While praising the team’s attacking brilliance, the ex-Red singled out Cody Gakpo and Andrew Robertson, accusing the pair of disrupting Liverpool’s rhythm and energy.
“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 claimed. “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 remarks sparked immediate debate among fans. Robertson, one of Liverpool’s longest-serving defenders, has come under increasing scrutiny for recent defensive lapses, while Gakpo’s consistency in high-pressure matches continues to be questioned.
Social media reflected the split: some fans agreed with the harsh assessment, while others defended the duo, pointing to their contributions in past seasons.
Still, the warning was clear. In Europe’s toughest competition, every player must deliver. As one supporter noted, “There’s no room for passengers.”
Slot’s side may have claimed three vital points, but the fallout ensures that Gakpo and Robertson will remain firmly in the spotlight as Liverpool chase silverware this season.
