Karl: “They kept Ten Hag without a plan” – United’s Leadership Under Fire on The AEye Scouted Podcast | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Quest for Silverware and Ten Hag’s Exit: Insights from The AEye Scouted Podcast

The recent episode of The AEye Scouted Podcast brought together contributors Guy and Karl to discuss the fallout from Erik ten Hag’s sudden departure from Manchester United, as well as the impending clash between Liverpool and Brighton in the Carabao Cup. As Liverpool adjusts under new manager Arne Slot, Ten Hag’s exit has raised significant questions about managerial choices and strategy in the Premier League. Here are key insights from Guy and Karl on these pressing topics, along with Liverpool’s potential game plan for the upcoming Brighton match.

Ten Hag’s Departure: United’s Season in Crisis

Discussing Ten Hag’s departure, Karl remarked, “They’ve obviously made that decision to keep him in the international break, which obviously looks even more stupid now… he was an awful manager, especially at their place.” Guy agreed, questioning the rationale behind United’s decision to retain Ten Hag over the summer, suggesting that the club’s management is in disarray: “This decision’s clearly backfired on INEOS and Manchester United… even for us who want to keep Ten Hag because he was an awful manager.”

This sentiment was shared across the board, as Karl commented on United’s ongoing lack of strategic direction: “They kept Ten Hag without a plan… it’s been an absolute farce of a season for them.” The podcast episode underscores how Guy and Karl’s perspectives align with the mounting frustrations of Manchester United supporters, who have seen a series of poorly managed seasons under multiple managers.

United’s choice of an interim manager was also questioned. Karl asserted, “You go for a secondary choice, and maybe that’s not as good a manager, maybe not as big a name… maybe it works out better for United.” This pointed remark encapsulates the chaotic season the club has endured and the general uncertainty surrounding its future.

Liverpool’s Path Forward under Arne Slot

Liverpool fans are adjusting to life post-Klopp, now that Dutch manager Arne Slot has taken the reins. Reflecting on Liverpool’s current squad structure, Guy highlighted a bright spot: “If they are going to do a big rebuild project… maybe a manager like Slot is exactly what Liverpool needs to compete with City in the long term.” Slot’s arrival heralds a new era for Liverpool, which seeks to reinvigorate its squad after Klopp’s departure in May 2024.

Karl expressed optimism for Liverpool’s young talents, adding, “You’ve still got 18 players there at the very least who are good to very good.” In contrast to United’s lack of depth, Liverpool’s youthful core – players like Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo – offer the club a solid foundation to build upon. Slot’s approach, which Karl described as “fast, incisive, and aggressive,” appears well-suited to unlock Liverpool’s attacking potential and support the likes of Mohamed Salah and Núñez in their bid for silverware this season.

Brighton’s Challenge in the Carabao Cup

Ahead of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup match against Brighton, Guy and Karl discussed the potential for squad rotation given the Reds’ tight schedule. Karl noted the strength of Liverpool’s squad despite recent injuries, stating, “I’d rotate a few [players], but I wouldn’t want to be too weakened… Brighton are pretty good, but there’s definitely things we can exploit about them.”

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Both analysts agreed that Liverpool would benefit from tactical adjustments to counter Brighton’s quick play style, with Karl observing, “On the ball and pushing at pace, Brighton are really, really good… Wolves opened them up quite a lot of times.” Liverpool’s squad depth, including the promising Curtis Jones and the experienced Kostas Tsimikas, will be crucial in managing the Carabao Cup and other commitments.

Projecting Liverpool’s Strategy against Brighton

Looking at Liverpool’s likely squad for the Brighton fixture, Karl proposed a balanced lineup that Slot may deploy. He mentioned, “I’d probably say Yaros in goal if Alisson’s not back… and defensively, Gomez and Quansah you’d 100% expect to come in.” Karl also suggested that Liverpool’s attack should leverage Darwin Núñez’s recent form: “If Darwin’s playing as well as he has in the last couple of games, you’d imagine he’d get the better of [Jan Paul] van Hecke and Igor.”

The podcast also highlighted potential lineup experiments, including the choice between Tsimikas and Andy Robertson at left-back, a tactical shift Karl supports. “If there’s to be a change in position, my preference is that the player coming in should earn the spot,” he stated, a nod to Slot’s competitive ethos.

Liverpool’s lineup choices will be pivotal, as Karl notes that Brighton’s defence has weaknesses Liverpool can exploit. Guy agreed, summarising the opportunity Liverpool has to assert control early in the match: “If we go with a fairly strong team, get it won in the first hour, then maybe you look at bringing on Diaz, Morton, and whoever else is left on the bench.”

Conclusion: Liverpool’s Evolution Continues

As Liverpool prepares for Brighton, and the club further acclimates to Slot’s tactical philosophy, supporters are hopeful of a new chapter. In contrast, Ten Hag’s departure symbolises the upheaval at Old Trafford, underscoring the difference in long-term planning between the two clubs. From Slot’s promising start to Liverpool’s depth and talent, The AEye Scouted Podcast contributors believe the Reds have a foundation for success.

Whether they can maintain that edge through the Carabao Cup and other competitions remains to be seen, but with a well-rounded squad and a capable manager, Liverpool’s future looks bright.