Steven Gerrard Warns of Deepening Squad Crisis as Liverpool Struggles to Sustain Energy Post-European Victories

Steven Gerrard explains why Liverpool’s lack of options is sabotaging their Premier League season. Read the full analysis on Arne Slot’s tactical struggles.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 22, 2026, 9:04 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

The Physical Toll of Continental Competition

The recurring pattern of Liverpool’s domestic stumbles following high-intensity Champions League nights has raised alarms for former captain Steven Gerrard. Speaking on TNT Sports, Gerrard noted that the emotional and physical energy required to secure results on the European stage is leaving the squad depleted for subsequent Premier League fixtures. While the team recently secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Galatasaray to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, they once again failed to carry that momentum into the weekend. This inability to string together consistent victories has seen the club fall 21 points behind the league leaders, marking a stark decline for the defending champions.

Limitations Within the Anfield Ranks

Gerrard argued that the current squad lacks the necessary depth to implement the "numerous changes" required to preserve energy without sacrificing quality. According to his analysis, the drop-off in performance occurs because Slot is often forced to rely on the same core group of players for every high-stakes match. This lack of bench options has prevented the manager from introducing fresh legs to maintain the high-pressing intensity that defines the club's tactical identity. Gerrard suggested that until the bench can offer comparable quality to the starting eleven, the team will continue to struggle with the grueling Thursday-to-Sunday turnaround.

Tactical Risks and Forced Personnel Changes

The recent loss to Brighton highlighted the precarious nature of Liverpool’s current selection process, as Slot was forced into early substitutions that disrupted the team’s rhythm. Striker Hugo Ekitike was withdrawn just eight minutes into the match following a heavy challenge, further thinning the manager's tactical options. While Gerrard noted that some changes were made out of necessity rather than strategic choice, he observed that these forced adjustments often backfire when the squad is already stretched thin. The resulting lack of fluidity allowed eighth-placed Brighton to capitalize on a lethargic Liverpool performance, securing a 2-1 result that deepened the crisis at Anfield.