Liverpool eyes defender Joel Ordóñez

Match overview

Liverpool faced a heavy 3-0 defeat against Crystal Palace in the League Cup, marking a notable setback for the club. In the match, Ismaila Sarr netted two goals in the first half, and Yeremy Pino added another, which led to Liverpool’s exit from the tournament.

Recent struggles

This loss adds to a worrying trend, as Liverpool has now lost six out of their last seven matches across various competitions. Manager Arne Slot chose to rest key players including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, relying instead on youthful players. Acknowledging the team’s struggles, Slot stated, “It’s unusual for Liverpool to lose six out of seven matches,” emphasizing the constant need for victory.

Young players on the field

Among the young talents was Amara Nallo, an 18-year-old defender who briefly appeared on the field before being sent off for his second red card in as many matches, highlighting the difficulties facing the team.

Slot’s defense of team selection

After the game, Slot stood by his decision to shuffle the lineup due to injuries that constrained his choices. “With only around 20 players available and four injured,” Slot explained, defending the risk of playing less fit members. He lamented, “It’s not typical for Liverpool to lose five out of six, or six out of seven,” stressing the urgency of regaining form with challenging games ahead.

Upcoming fixtures

The coming month is crucial, as Liverpool faces seven matches, including high-stakes games against Aston Villa and Real Madrid. These matches will put the team’s resilience to the test, impacting their chances of securing trophies this season.

Fan reactions

As Liverpool loses ground, some fans are growing frustrated, with a section calling for Slot’s resignation. However, club management continues to back him, trusting he can reverse the current downturn.

Injury concerns

Alexander Isak missed the clash against Crystal Palace due to groin issues, casting uncertainty over his participation in the next match against Aston Villa. Coach Arne Slot mentioned that Ryan Gravenberch is likely to play, but the status of Isak and Curtis Jones remains uncertain.

Transfer interest in Joel Ordóñez

Amid the challenging times, Liverpool is focusing on strengthening its defense by targeting Joel Ordóñez from Club Brugge. The club is supposedly prepared to pay over €41 million, offering an annual salary of more than €2.9 million. Ordóñez, a vital player for Brugge, recently renewed his contract until mid-2029. Despite interest from Internazionale, Liverpool’s financial clout may help them secure the defender’s services.