John Barnes has cited a more technical midfield as the reason for Liverpool’s defensive ‘teething problems’ after Wednesday’s defeat at Napoli.
The Reds were pulled apart at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, eventually losing 4-1 after finding themselves 3-0 down at half-time. Piotr Zielinski’s brace bookended goals from Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Giovanni Simeone, with Luciano Spalletti’s side the beneficiaries of lacklustre defending.
The home side enjoyed great success in exposing the high-line that has been so successful during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure, and the ease at which the likes of Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were able to run in behind called into question the high-risk tactic. But former Liverpool midfielder Barnes explained how changes slightly further up the pitch are leaving the back-line vulnerable.
