Liverpool fans can be relieved as ‘nonsense’ talk comes to an end
Liverpool supporters will be relieved that all talks of a “quadruple” this season can be put to rest.
Arne Slot suffered a 1-0 loss against Plymouth on Sunday (9 February) as Harvey Elliott needlessly gave away a penalty, which Ryan Hardie calmly converted to produce a famous FA Cup upset at Home Park.
In what proved to be a “disappointing” afternoon for Liverpool on the South Coast, Joe Gomez was forced off through injury inside the opening 10 minutes to set the tone for what would follow.
Nevertheless, whenever the Reds are on course for silverware in a campaign, talk of a quadruple swiftly follows – those nonsense claims can now stop following the FA Cup exit and must stop for the foreseeable future.
Unnecessary pressure of Liverpool quadruple talk must stop
Slot has performed an “unbelievable” job at Anfield since succeeding Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds finished top of the Champions League league phase and can go nine points clear at the top of the Premier League with a win against Everton on Wednesday (12 February).
However, during the 2021/22 campaign, wherein Liverpool played every available fixture, claiming the League Cup and FA Cup before losing the Champions League final and Premier League title, talk of a quadruple was rife.
Albeit the claims were somewhat justified – no side in the Premier League has come as close as Liverpool did to making history that season, but the same claims have reared their ugly head again.
TV commentator Ian Darke took to X after the loss against Plymouth (9 February), suggesting the Championship strugglers have thwarted a quadruple attempt in Slot’s maiden year at Anfield.
“That’s another quadruple gone west for Liverpool. Arne Slot’s selection gave Plymouth a real chance, and they took it superbly.”
Indeed, Liverpool are in the Carabao Cup final, and multiple trophies are possible this term, but talks of winning the lot are not welcome at Anfield.
Senior players let Liverpool down v Plymouth
Despite how many changes Slot made to his starting eleven at Home Park, there was more than enough quality on the pitch to get the Reds over the line.
Diogo Jota did himself no favours on Sunday – the 28-year-old is believed to be frustrating Slot this season and, according to Anfield Watch (8 February), could be sold in the summer—after failing to make a recognisable impact against Plymouth, this could be a very real possibility.
Furthermore, Liverpool supporters have taken to social media to vent frustrations towards Federico Chiesa, another senior player who was outshone by Championship opposition.
Slot will now have a clearer understanding of the state of his squad heading into the business end of the season – none who underperformed at Home Park can complain about their lack of minutes moving forward.
The talk of a quadruple may be dead for this year at least, but a treble is undoubtedly on the cards for the Reds.