Liverpool Legend Questions Slot's 'Baffling' Isak Selection
Dietmar Hamann, the former Liverpool midfielder, has launched a scathing critique of manager Arne Slot's decision to start Alexander Isak in the crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain. Hamann expressed astonishment at the choice, stating he had 'never heard anything like this' in football before.
Isak's Return Ends in Disappointment
Alexander Isak, Liverpool's record signing, had not started a match for the reigning Premier League champions since December due to a serious ankle injury that required surgery, including a fractured fibula. Since his return, the 26-year-old striker had made only two substitute appearances—in Liverpool's previous encounter with PSG and against Fulham.
Despite this limited game time, Slot opted to include Isak in the starting lineup for Tuesday night's match at Anfield, aiming to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg in Paris. The decision proved costly, as Isak managed just five touches during his time on the pitch, showing clear signs of rust and lack of match fitness.
Early Substitution and PSG's Dominance
Isak's ineffective performance forced Liverpool into an early change, with Cody Gakpo replacing him at halftime. However, the substitution did little to alter the course of the game. Ousmane Dembele scored twice in the second half, securing a 4-0 aggregate victory for PSG and sending Luis Enrique's side through to the semi-finals.
After the match, Slot defended his decision, insisting that Isak was 'ready' to start. He explained his reasoning, highlighting concerns about extra time and the need to manage substitutions carefully. 'I said before the game that if you go to extra-time and he plays the second half and plays 45 minutes, there are only two minutes in between before extra time comes up for half an hour,' Slot told reporters. 'I don't think that was realistic. To play him for 45 minutes and see at half-time how he feels to add five to ten minutes to that, that was a possibility today.'
Hamann's Blunt Criticism
Hamann, speaking on Sky Deutschland, was unimpressed with Slot's explanation. 'He hasn't played for three months and then he comes up against the best team in Europe and suddenly he should play. And Slot doesn't want to bring him on because he might not be able to play extra time... I have to be completely honest: I had the utmost respect for the man, but I've never heard of anything like this. I don't know if something like this has ever happened before. Probably, but not in the Champions League.'
The criticism adds to the growing scrutiny on Slot, as Liverpool's form has dipped with six defeats in their last ten games across all competitions. Fans and pundits alike were left puzzled by Isak's surprise selection, given his limited recent involvement.
Looking Ahead to the Merseyside Derby
Liverpool must now regroup quickly, with attentions turning to a challenging Merseyside derby away to Everton in just four days. A victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium could see Slot's team rise to as high as third in the Premier League table, providing a much-needed morale boost after their Champions League exit.
The pressure is mounting on Slot to deliver results, and decisions like the one to start Isak will be closely analyzed as Liverpool seeks to finish the season strongly. With key players returning from injury and crucial matches ahead, Slot's managerial acumen will be tested in the coming weeks.
