Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has openly criticized Arne Slot’s substitution decisions during Liverpool’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The Reds entered the second leg at Anfield with a 1-0 advantage but ultimately lost on penalties after drawing 1-1 on aggregate.
Warnock’s Criticism of Slot’s Choices
Speaking on BBC Radio 5, Warnock, who played 67 matches for Liverpool between 2000 and 2007, specifically targeted the Dutch manager’s substitution strategy as a key factor in their European exit.
"Darwin Nunez didn’t have an affect on the game and Curtis Jones was poor when he came on. Cody Gakpo didn’t look fit. It looked like a wasted substitution from Liverpool," Warnock stated.
The criticism comes at a challenging time for Liverpool, who despite their Champions League disappointment, remain in strong contention for domestic honors this season. Slot’s substitutions failed to change the game’s momentum, ultimately resulting in the penalty shootout loss that eliminated them from the competition.
Van Dijk Addresses His Liverpool Future
Following the disappointing Champions League exit, captain Virgil van Dijk addressed speculation about his future at the club. The Dutch defender, whose contract expires this summer, dismissed reports that any decision had been made about whether he’ll remain at Anfield.
"I have no idea, I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely. I have no idea at the moment. It is not on hold. Nothing on hold," Van Dijk told reporters after the match.
He added: "Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes but that is about it. At the moment, I don’t even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face."
Van Dijk joined Liverpool in January 2018 for a reported £75 million and has proven to be one of the club’s most influential signings. During his tenure, he has contributed 26 goals and 13 assists across 310 appearances, helping Liverpool secure:
- 1 Premier League title
- 1 UEFA Champions League
- 1 FA Cup
- 2 League Cups
Liverpool’s Remaining Season Objectives
Despite their Champions League elimination, Liverpool still have plenty to play for this season:
- They face Newcastle United in the League Cup final on March 16
- With nine Premier League matches remaining, they hold a commanding 15-point lead over Arsenal
The exit from European competition allows Slot to focus exclusively on domestic success, with the potential to secure a league and cup double in his debut season at the helm.
For Liverpool fans, the Champions League disappointment will sting, but the possibility of domestic silverware provides a silver lining as the club looks to end the season on a high note under their new manager.
Ready to support Liverpool in their push for the Premier League title? Follow their remaining fixtures and join the conversation about their championship chances!