Davis Discusses Tsimikas Rotation: “It’s Key to Managing Robertson’s Workload” | OneFootball

Managing Robertson’s Game Time: Rotation With Tsimikas Is Key

Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Leicester has brought up familiar debates, none more pressing than the workload of Andy Robertson. As analysed on the Media Matters podcast for Anfield Index, contributors Dave Davis and David Lynch offered insights into Robertson’s current form and the need for rotation with Kostas Tsimikas.

Addressing the Key Left-Back Issue

David Lynch did not shy away from the criticism surrounding Robertson, highlighting that he has “been at the scene of the crime for a lot of poor Liverpool moments.” However, Lynch was quick to temper that with an acknowledgment of the Scotsman’s immense value. “He’s been an unbelievable servant,” Lynch said, emphasising that Robertson’s sub-par performances this season are not solely down to his abilities but also to a lack of rotation.

The contributors agreed that Robertson’s fitness and consistency could benefit from a well-managed schedule. Lynch pointed out that Robertson’s “best game this season was against Aston Villa,” a performance that came after a brief rest. This suggests that the demanding fixtures could be managed better by leveraging Tsimikas.

Tsimikas’ Role in the Squad

While Robertson remains a vital cog in Liverpool’s system, Tsimikas has shown his capability to step in when required. Dave Davis noted, “We’ve maybe not seen enough of Tsimikas since he’s come back from injury.” The timing is critical with Liverpool’s fixture congestion, and this may be an opportunity for Arne Slot to balance the duo effectively.

Davis added, “Yesterday could have been the perfect game for Tsimikas to keep Robertson fresh for West Ham.” Both contributors agreed that more rotation between the left-backs is not just a luxury but a necessity to maintain Liverpool’s competitiveness throughout the season.

Photo: IMAGO

Striking the Balance for Trophies

Lynch emphasised the bigger picture, stating, “If you rotate Robertson and Tsimikas properly, you’ve got enough to win trophies.” The idea is not to sideline Robertson but to preserve his fitness while maximising Tsimikas’ contributions.

There is no call to question Robertson’s quality, but as Lynch pointed out, luck has not been on his side. From soft penalties to deflected goals, Robertson has endured an unfortunate run. Lynch observed, “He’s clearly not at his best, but we’ve got to be calm in our assessment and avoid overreacting.”

Plan for the Future

The podcast ended on a forward-looking note, with both Davis and Lynch reiterating their belief that proper rotation can solve many of Liverpool’s issues on the left flank. Tsimikas’ inclusion in upcoming games will not only help preserve Robertson but also add a layer of unpredictability to Liverpool’s defensive options.

As the season intensifies, Slot’s tactical choices regarding this crucial area could define Liverpool’s ability to stay competitive across all fronts. For now, both Robertson and Tsimikas will have to play their parts in ensuring the Reds maintain their trajectory towards silverware.