Molby examines Liverpool’s form heading into decisive fixtures | OneFootball

Jan Mølby’s Take on Liverpool’s Battles with PSG and Southampton

Liverpool’s recent encounters with Paris Saint-Germain and Southampton provided a stark contrast in performances, and Anfield Index’s Molby On The Spot podcast, featuring Trev Downey and Jan Mølby, offered an insightful breakdown of both fixtures. Mølby, never one to sugarcoat reality, delivered a brutally honest assessment of Liverpool’s display in Paris and their response against Southampton.

Footballing Lesson in Paris

Liverpool may have secured a smash-and-grab victory over PSG, but according to Mølby, it was a game that felt anything but controlled.

“At times, it was a football lesson,” he admitted. “We couldn’t come to grips with them with or without the ball.”

PSG dominated possession, taking 25+ shots to Liverpool’s two, an uncharacteristic stat for a team that usually thrives in high-pressure European games. Mølby was taken aback by how PSG approached the match, explaining:

“They almost went man on man all over the pitch, and you’re thinking—who does that against Liverpool? It was almost as if that thing we’ve had over the other teams for a long time, where they couldn’t keep up with us, was reversed. We had that problem with PSG.”

Despite the glaring disparity in control, Liverpool somehow emerged victorious. But as Mølby pointed out, “On another night, it’s 4-0 or 5-0 and it’s not flattering.”

Anfield’s Influence For Second Leg

Looking ahead to the return leg, the overriding sentiment among Liverpool fans is one of cautious optimism. Many are banking on the Anfield factor, something that Mølby acknowledges but doesn’t see as a guaranteed leveller.

“Everybody’s leaning back towards this is Anfield, and Anfield does something to you,” he said. “So let’s see how these young PSG players cope with what Anfield brings on a European night.”

His perspective is clear—Liverpool will need more than just a passionate home crowd to turn things around. While he expects an improved performance, he isn’t convinced it will be enough to secure passage to the next round with ease.

Southampton: Opportunity Missed?

If ever there was a moment for Liverpool to stamp their authority and put on a dominant display, the Southampton fixture was it. Yet, according to Mølby, it never truly materialised.

“We just couldn’t get into it,” he lamented. “I had a feeling the manager might make changes at half-time. Three! I didn’t think he’d do that—very brave.”

While Liverpool eventually ran out 3-1 winners, the first half left a lot to be desired.

“We didn’t create a whole lot at all,” Mølby said bluntly. “We just weren’t in our flow. It wasn’t the sort of response you wanted after PSG.”

However, he was keen to stress that there was no immediate cause for alarm, adding:

“Things are still going well, and we ended up winning the game. As of yet, there’s no need to be concerned.”

Fatigue and Rotation: Growing Concern?

Mølby raised an interesting point regarding Liverpool’s energy levels and Arne Slot’s approach to squad rotation. Some critics have suggested that the new manager isn’t rotating enough, a sentiment Mølby has encountered in conversations with journalists and fans alike.

“They’re saying, ‘he made three changes on Saturday, and it’s not enough!’” he revealed. “That’s the concern—that we’ll run out of legs and have nothing left to give.”

He pointed to Gravenberch as a prime example of a player who may be suffering from the relentless schedule.

“He never seems to get a rest—ever,” Mølby observed. “At his best, he’s so bloody impressive… but he particularly looks leggy.”

With a gruelling fixture list ahead, ensuring key players remain fresh could be the difference between silverware and disappointment. However, Mølby remained philosophical about the challenge, suggesting that form and energy levels can return suddenly.

“You’re going along really well, and then from nowhere, you can’t do a thing right. And then, suddenly, it’s back. It’s a tricky thing to deal with, but there’s no reason for alarm bells yet.”

Photo: IMAGO

What’s Next for Liverpool?

With massive games ahead—both in Europe and domestically—Mølby believes the next two fixtures could define Liverpool’s season.

“These two games are massive,” he said. “One takes you to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and one gives you a trophy. Let’s wait and see what happens in these games before we make any big judgments.”

Despite concerns about fatigue and form, Liverpool remain in a strong position, leading the Premier League by 15 points and still in contention for multiple trophies. However, as Mølby repeatedly emphasised, they must find another gear if they want to avoid an early European exit and ensure their domestic dominance translates into silverware.