BREAKING: Michael Owen Exposes the Real Issue Behind Liverpool’s Collapse — “It’s Not Slot or Salah!” 🔴🔥
Liverpool legend Michael Owen has set off a storm of debate after bluntly revealing what he believes is the true reason behind the Reds’ disastrous run of form — and, surprisingly, it’s not manager Arne Slot or star man Mohamed Salah.
Speaking after Liverpool’s shocking 3–2 defeat to Brentford — their fourth straight Premier League loss — Owen didn’t hold back. The former Ballon d’Or winner directly blamed Ibrahima Konaté and Liverpool’s new goalkeeper for the club’s alarming slide down the table.
“Slot is not the problem,” Owen said on Sky Sports. “I don’t understand why people can’t see it. There’s one player in particular who keeps letting this club down — only God knows how many times he’s cost us this season.”
Owen went on to describe Konaté and the goalkeeper as the “loopholes” in Liverpool’s defensive setup, accusing them of repeated lapses in concentration at crucial moments.
“Konaté is strong, yes — but he switches off far too often,” Owen continued. “How many times have we seen him lose his man or misread a cross? These are the basics. And the goalkeeper — I’m sorry, but he doesn’t command his area. Every cross brings panic. You can’t win titles like that.”
Fan Reactions Divide Social Media
Owen’s brutally honest assessment has divided Liverpool fans and pundits alike. Some supporters took to social media to back the ex-striker’s comments, with one fan posting on X:
“Finally someone said it! The problem isn’t Slot — it’s the players who keep gifting goals!”
Others, however, felt Owen went too far.
“He’s being too harsh,” another fan replied. “It’s not just Konaté or the keeper — the whole defensive structure is off.”
Carragher’s Take: “It’s More Than One or Two Players”
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also addressed Owen’s remarks during Sky Sports’ post-match coverage.
“I get where Michael’s coming from,” Carragher said. “The defense looks fragile, and yes, certain players have made costly mistakes. But when you lose four in a row, it’s not about one or two individuals. The confidence has gone. The midfield isn’t protecting the backline, and the new keeper’s still settling. It’s a combination of factors.”
Tension Rising Inside Anfield
The atmosphere around Anfield has turned increasingly tense. Some fans booed the players off after the final whistle, while others held banners demanding “accountability and focus.” Inside sources claim Arne Slot is also running out of patience with individual errors and could make drastic defensive changes — possibly dropping Konaté in upcoming fixtures.
Slot has already expressed concern over “avoidable goals and poor concentration,” mirroring the frustrations voiced by Owen.
Liverpool at a Crossroads
Liverpool’s season, which began with optimism following Slot’s appointment and several high-profile summer arrivals, now hangs in the balance. Once known for defensive discipline and relentless intensity, the Reds suddenly look fragile and uncertain.
Whether Owen’s outburst sparks a response or deepens divisions remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — Liverpool’s problems go far beyond tactics. The club’s identity and confidence are under threat, and unless a turnaround comes soon, this campaign could become one of the most disappointing in recent memory.
For now, the spotlight burns bright on Ibrahima Konaté and Liverpool’s new goalkeeper, both of whom face the ultimate challenge:
Prove Michael Owen wrong — and win back the trust of the Kop.