Arne Slot concedes tactical error following Steven Gerrard critique over Dominik Szoboszlai positioning amid injury crisis

Liverpool boss Arne Slot responds to Steven Gerrard’s critique on player positioning and confirms a fresh injury blow for star winger Mohamed Salah.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 20, 2026, 10:36 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

Tactical Necessity Meets Foundational Critique

The strategic deployment of Dominik Szoboszlai in a defensive role has sparked a significant internal and external debate regarding Liverpool’s tactical identity this season. While the Hungarian international has been moved to right-back to cover for a decimated defensive line, Steven Gerrard has vocally demanded that the player remain in his natural midfield habitat. Gerrard argued that the player’s best work occurs when he is allowed to flourish as a creative engine, particularly following his standout performance in European competition. According to Gerrard, keeping the 25-year-old in his "proper position" is essential for both the player’s development and the team's long-term leadership structure.

The Managerial Defense of Squad Limitations

In a direct response to the criticism, Arne Slot clarified that his decision to move Szoboszlai out of the midfield was born of necessity rather than a desire for tactical experimentation. Slot asserted that the absence of fit, specialized full-backs like Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez left the coaching staff with few viable alternatives during recent fixtures. According to Slot, the choice was often between playing an out-of-position elite talent or risking an unfit defender, a dilemma he maintains was misunderstood by outside observers. He reiterated that Szoboszlai remains a midfielder by trade, but personnel shortages frequently dictated a pragmatic shift to the backline to maintain overall team strength.

Admitting the Costs of Positional Sacrifice

Despite defending his previous logic, the Liverpool head coach offered a rare admission that his tactical gambles may not have yielded the intended results. Slot acknowledged that while Szoboszlai is capable of performing defensive duties, the team’s collective strength is undeniably greater when the player occupies a central role. In a candid moment, Slot suggested he may have been wrong in his assessment, noting that the side failed to win every match where the midfielder was sacrificed to fill the void at right-back. This concession marks a shift in tone as the manager looks to re-balance the squad’s creative output against its defensive stability.