“Should be starting man”, “For god’s sake” – Liverpool fans furious with 2 players not being part of line-up vs Southampton…

Liverpool’s recent 3-1 victory over Southampton was supposed to be another routine win, but it quickly turned into a talking point for all the wrong reasons. Instead of celebrating the hard-fought three points, fans were left fuming over manager Arne Slot’s controversial lineup choices, which saw two key players left out of the starting XI.

The decision sent shockwaves through the fanbase, with supporters taking to social media to voice their frustration. Phrases like “Should be starting, man” and “For god’s sake” were plastered across comments and forums, as many questioned why Slot was experimenting with selections that had already proven ineffective in previous matches.

While Liverpool managed to secure the win, the first half was anything but smooth. Southampton’s aggressive approach caught the Reds off guard, and it took a resilient second-half performance to turn things around. Darwin Nunez, who barely escaped a red card earlier in the game, became Liverpool’s savior by netting the crucial equalizer. From there, Mohamed Salah took over, converting two penalties to complete the comeback.

Yet, for many, the victory felt bittersweet. Fans argued that had Slot fielded his strongest lineup from the start, Liverpool wouldn’t have needed a comeback in the first place. This isn’t the first time the Dutchman’s decision-making has been called into question. Earlier this season, he left out Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister following their international duties, only to see Liverpool struggle until their eventual late introduction.

This recurring theme has led to growing doubts about Slot’s tactical approach. While squad rotation is a necessity in a long and grueling season, supporters believe there is a fine line between calculated risks and unnecessary gambles. Given that previous experiments with similar lineups failed, why would Slot take the same chance again?

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher weighed in on the matter, stating that while he respects Slot’s desire to experiment, some of his choices don’t always align with what’s best for the team. Carragher pointed to the fact that Liverpool’s best performances this season have come when their key players are on the pitch from the start.

Beyond the punditry, the tension among fans is undeniable. Many fear that Slot’s selections could cost Liverpool crucial points as the season progresses. With the Premier League title race heating up, every decision matters, and supporters expect their manager to learn from past mistakes rather than repeat them.

Adding fuel to the fire, some fans have begun drawing comparisons to previous managers who made similar miscalculations. They argue that Liverpool’s struggles in past seasons often stemmed from unnecessary tinkering rather than tactical ingenuity.

The controversy isn’t just about individual players—it’s about the broader strategy. When Liverpool’s strongest eleven is on the pitch, they look like genuine title contenders. But when Slot experiments, there is always a sense of uncertainty. This inconsistency is what worries supporters the most.

Even after securing all three points against Southampton, the frustration remains. Fans have made it clear that they are not against rotation, but they expect a balanced approach that doesn’t leave the team vulnerable. With Liverpool still competing on multiple fronts, Slot will have to find the right formula to keep his squad fresh while maintaining momentum.

Looking ahead, Liverpool faces tougher opposition, and Slot will need to be more cautious with his selections. While his managerial philosophy is centered around adaptability, he must recognize when changes are necessary and when they could do more harm than good.

Liverpool’s next few matches could determine whether they remain in the title race or fall behind. Slot’s challenge now is to restore faith among the fanbase by proving he can strike the right balance between rotation and consistency.

As the season unfolds, every lineup choice will be scrutinized. Will Slot stick to his guns, or will he take the fans’ concerns into account? Only time will tell, but for now, the debate over his decisions continues to dominate discussions among Liverpool supporters.

Ultimately, while victories are important, the manner in which they are achieved also matters. Liverpool’s passionate supporters expect nothing but the best, and Slot must ensure his tactics align with the high expectations that come with managing one of the world’s biggest clubs.