Andy Robertson accepts the criticism aimed at Liverpool is deserved and has urged his team-mates to avoid social media and stick together, while expressing confidence that better days will come.
The defending champions suffered their sixth league defeat in seven matches when Nottingham Forest beat them 3-0 at Anfield, leaving Liverpool 11th in the table — the club’s first spell in the bottom half in more than a decade. Pundit Jamie Carragher called the side a “big mess” on Monday Night Football, and manager Arne Slot has faced pressure after the club spent close to £450m on new signings in the summer. Slot himself said he felt guilty over the team’s dramatic slide, describing the slump as both ridiculous and unbelievable.
Robertson told Sky Sports’ One on One podcast that the club’s long-established standards mean scrutiny intensifies when performances drop. He said the criticism is understandable given the results and the league position, and stressed that the response has to come from within the squad.
He urged players to remain united, focus on producing their best versions on the pitch and rebuild consistency in training and matches. Robertson insisted the squad still has enough quality to turn results around but acknowledged confidence has dipped and needs protecting. He said experienced players must help younger team-mates avoid letting poor form define them, pointing out how quickly public perception can swing from hero to scapegoat.
Part of that protection, Robertson added, is staying away from social media and external noise and maintaining a focused environment around the training ground. He said he still believes in every player in the dressing room and that the club will see better times again, but stressed improvements must come quickly because the slump has gone on for too long for a club of Liverpool’s stature.
Robertson was also understanding about supporters leaving Anfield early during the Forest defeat. He said three-nil at home is unacceptable and he doesn’t blame fans for their disappointment, but appealed for their continued support, noting how influential a fully engaged Anfield can be when players and fans are both at their best. Ultimately, he said, the players must give the supporters something to cheer about by working harder and performing better so the team can start climbing the table.