Arne Slot Fires Back at Steven Gerrard's Stinging Criticism: 'I Have No Choice'
Liverpool boss Arne Slot acknowledged Steven Gerrard's observation about his frequent discussions regarding "low blocks," but explained that he "must" address the topic when questioned about opponents using this challenging defensive strategy.
A "low block" is simply a defensive formation that sits deep. Various terms exist for this strategy. In Ecuador, it's called "bat tactics"—defenders position themselves so close to their goal they might as well be suspended from the crossbar. In England, it's commonly termed "parking the bus," a phrase José Mourinho introduced from Portugal to the Premier League in 2004.
Low blocks have increasingly become a popular method to counter elite teams in recent seasons. Liverpool have struggled against these defensive setups multiple times this campaign—an issue Slot has consistently highlighted.
Gerrard cautioned Slot about repeatedly mentioning "low blocks" after the Dutch manager attributed his team's Champions League victory over Marseille partly to the French club's more attacking approach.
When told about the former Liverpool skipper's remarks during a Sky Sports interview this week, Slot acknowledged Gerrard's observation while rejecting his suggestion. "I can only concur with him that I discuss low blocks frequently—because we encounter many low blocks!" the Dutch manager confessed.
Dominik Szoboszlai is enjoying the Champions League this season.
Carrying Liverpool to the top eight. pic.twitter.com/3gGqnnh30Q
"And when journalists ask for my post-match thoughts, I must explain something," Slot reasoned.
"He mentioned facing them during his playing career. He was among those players capable of breaking down a low block due to his exceptional ability.
"Much discussion surrounds this topic, and perhaps I should seek alternative terminology or simply stop mentioning it altogether. Everyone understands by now."
Slot Preparing for Different Challenge Against Bournemouth
Slot Preparing for Different Challenge Against Bournemouth
Liverpool's adversaries have maintained an average defensive line positioned 31.8 metres from their goal—only table-topping Arsenal face deeper defensive blocks than Slot's title-defending squad, according to GeniusIQ (via Sky Sports).
Bournemouth's defensive line begins 42.2 metres from their goal on average this campaign as they implement one of the division's more proactive tactical approaches.
"Perhaps we won't encounter it [a low block] this time because Bournemouth has consistently been a high-energy opponent, and they'll maintain that style," Slot anticipated before Saturday evening's journey to the south coast. The Cherries troubled Liverpool significantly in the Premier League opener, nearly matching the champions before falling 4–2 at Anfield.
Andoni Iraola's team has experienced mixed results over the following five months, yet remains a formidable opponent due to their aggressive pressing style.
"Bournemouth ranks among the league's most energetic teams," Slot worried. "In virtually every running metric, they're either leading or within the top four positions.
"You understand the need to match their intensity, which is demanding since we're the sole European-competing team with only two days' rest, aside from Thursday participants. This isn't our first occurrence this season, but we've repeatedly demonstrated our capability to manage such situations."
Whether Gerrard prefers Slot discussing Liverpool's packed fixture list over low blocks remains uncertain.