Liverpool may have celebrated a thrilling 3–2 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield, but post-match comments from a club legend have sparked heated debate among supporters.
Speaking after the final whistle, the legend delivered a scathing verdict on Cody Gakpo and Andrew Robertson, accusing the duo of dragging the team down in key moments.
“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,” he said. “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 criticism came on what should have been a night of celebration, with Arne Slot’s side beginning their Champions League campaign in style. Instead, attention has shifted to whether Gakpo and Robertson are struggling to adapt to Slot’s demanding, high-intensity system.
Fans on social media were quick to respond. Some echoed the legend’s frustration, while others defended the pair, pointing to Robertson’s long-standing importance to the club and Gakpo’s flashes of attacking quality. Still, both players have come under scrutiny in recent weeks — Robertson for his defensive positioning and Gakpo for inconsistency in big games.
The message was clear: in Europe’s toughest competition, there is no room for passengers. Slot’s Liverpool will need every player performing at their peak if they are to challenge for silverware this season.
“They should really work on themselves — we can’t afford to lose this competition,” the legend concluded, summing up the mood of many inside Anfield.
Liverpool may have taken three points from Atletico, but the post-match conversation ensures that the spotlight will remain firmly on Gakpo and Robertson moving forward.
