Slot Rejects Left-Back “Dilemma” Claims

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has refuted suggestions that the left-back position has become “a dilemma for him,” as he continues to alternate between Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. Since Robertson’s arrival in 2017, he has accumulated 310 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions, establishing himself as a consistent presence in defence. However, the Scotland international has faced a challenging start to the current season, returning from Euro 2024 with an injury and receiving criticism for his performances in matches against Chelsea and Arsenal. In those games, the 30-year-old appeared to be below his usual pace and was tasked with marking the in-form Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka. When Robertson has not been on the field, Tsimikas has taken up the left-back role, impressing both Slot and the club’s supporters. Regarding the rotation of the two players, Slot stated, “I wouldn’t say it is a dilemma. There are other positions where we have rotated.” He further explained the situation, attributing it to “Robbo’s [Robertson’s] pre-season.” Slot elaborated, “He had no pre-season because he came back injured from the Euros so he missed almost the whole pre-season. For most of them it was only two weeks but for him it was only a few days.” He added, “Kostas did really well in that period of time so it has to do with the quality Kostas has in that position but it also has to do with Robbo missing pre-season. That’s why we started rotating from the start a bit. If a player has missed pre-season he can’t play three games in a row. That’s the situation.” Slot concluded, “It was good for Robbo to play against Arsenal and against Brighton in midweek. That is making sure he is getting into that rhythm of playing twice a week.” Slot’s comments indicate that Robertson may not be an automatic starter this campaign for the first time in recent seasons. Nevertheless, having the option of both players is considered an advantage for Liverpool, particularly when competing in multiple competitions.