Promise

🚨 Steve McManaman on Liverpool’s starting XI against Crystal Palace: 🎙️ Interviewer: “Steve, what’s your reaction to Liverpool’s starting lineup? Is this strong enough to get the job done? Steve McManaman: “On paper, there’s enough quality in that team to beat Crystal Palace. You’ve got Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Barcola, Gakpo and Isak. That’s serious attacking talent. But having good players on the pitch and playing like a good team are two completely different things. Liverpool need to prove they can put it all together.” Interviewer: “What do you make of Jacquet starting alongside Van Dijk? Steve McManaman: “It’s a big opportunity for the lad, but let’s not pretend it’s an easy responsibility. Playing alongside Van Dijk should help him, but Liverpool have been making too many defensive mistakes. At some point, these players have to take responsibility. You cannot keep blaming individual errors every week.” Interviewer: “Wirtz, Szoboszlai and Mac Allister are all starting. Is that the midfield Liverpool need? Steve McManaman: “It’s a midfield full of quality, but I want to see some authority. Wirtz needs to influence the game, Szoboszlai needs to bring energy and Mac Allister needs to control things. If those three dominate the middle, Liverpool have a real chance. If they get bullied again, then Iraola has some serious questions to answer.” Interviewer: “Liverpool have lost to Arsenal and Fenerbahçe. How important is today’s response? Steve McManaman: “Massive. Losing at Anfield to Arsenal is bad enough, but following that with another defeat in Europe makes today’s game even bigger. The supporters don’t want another explanation after the final whistle. They want a performance. You’re Liverpool Football Club. You cannot keep asking people to be patient while the same problems keep appearing.” Interviewer: “What’s your biggest concern going into this match? Steve McManaman: “The balance. There’s so much attacking quality, but who takes responsibility when Palace counter? You can put eleven talented footballers on the pitch and still have a poorly balanced team. That’s where Iraola must get it right. If Liverpool want to be taken seriously again, they need to start looking like a team that can compete with the best.” Interviewer: “Final message to Liverpool supporters? Steve McManaman: “Stop talking about potential. Show it on the pitch. Two defeats are already enough. Another disappointing performance today will only increase the pressure.”