Liverpool's 'baffling' crisis as Alan Shearer points out a real 'concern'

Alan Shearer

Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer felt that Liverpool offered nothing going forward against Nottingham Forest in their 3-0 defeat at Anfield.

The Premier League's all-time record goalscorer singled out Virgil Van Dijk's post-match comments, with the Reds' captain admitting they were conceding too many easy goals, with Shearer saying those remarks will be a concern.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Gary Lineker asked his fellow pundits: "Can someone try and explain what the hell has happened to Liverpool? It's baffling, isn't it? It just shows you as well how important confidence is in football.

"Last season, it was all going well, and they hardly lose a game; they're playing some great football, and then suddenly, a couple of new players come in, and they don't quite gel. They're trying to find their feet and then the results go against you.

"All of a sudden, you're scrambling to find a result, and the head plays an important part in football. You look at their squad, and you go, 'Why is this happening?' Momentum shift, or the belief, football is crazy at times."

Shearer said: "I mean, they had a couple of chances in the first 25 minutes or so, Liverpool, but they didn't take them. You can see them sort of shrink when Forest got that first goal. It was like 'come on then, what have you got?'

"They offered nothing. You'd be slightly concerned at Virgil's comments after the game when he was talking about his players and the lack of reaction or lack of fight, whatever.

"We always say that we see the best players - it's very easy when things are going well for you, full of confidence, winning games and battering teams every single week.

"Alright, but you see your big, proper characters when it's not going well for you. When you're losing games and those players are still prepared too get on the ball and not be afraid to make mistakes."

Micah Richards would heap praise on Forest for their performance, but would add that the sad death of Diogo Jota has undoubtedly played a part in Liverpool's struggles this season.

Richards said: "You talk about environments, the death of Jota has to have played a part in what's going on this season. It must have because it doesn't feel right.

"Half of the players are probably still grieving. Imagine having a teammate you become like family members with. Sadly I lost my uncle just last week as well, no problem at all.

"When there's a death you start overthinking. Could I have done this? Could I have done that better? Your relationships in the dressing room, it has to have had an effect.

"I don't care what anyone says. This isn't me making excuses for Liverpool but it's the human side. Football isn't just about technical ability and physical output. It's about the mental side as well and what they're going through at the moment is showing on the pitch.

"It has to have had an effect." Shearer and Lineker would echo Richards' sentiments.

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