‘It’s lacking energy and that’s bad’ – Slot’s friend on Liverpool decline

The former Red added: “They start well and score a great goal but we can’t get it over the line.”

That feeling has become increasingly common during recent months, with Liverpool once again dropping points from a winning position against an out-of-form Chelsea side.

Wayne Rooney recently questioned whether the team even has a clear identity anymore, while Jermaine Pennant also accused Slot’s side of lacking intensity and aggression.

Westerveld’s concerns centred around the drastic tactical shift from last season’s title-winning formula.

‘The balance has gone the other way’

The former Liverpool stopper explained: “Last season, I think what Slot did was get that 100% forward play, that aggressive pressing from Jurgen [Klopp].”

He added: “The balance was perfect.”

However, according to the former Everton goalkeeper, that balance has now completely disappeared.

Westerveld said: “But this season it seems the balance has gone the other way; too passive, you play the ball around the back for too long to each other, nobody is moving and at the end, even the crowd starts booing.”

The Dutchman finished with perhaps the most worrying assessment of all for Liverpool supporters.

“It’s lacking energy and that’s bad.”