Andy Robertson's claim after 'selfish' Mo Salah criticism highlights Arne Slot's Liverpool problem

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Andy Robertson has already identified what's missing from Arne Slot's struggling Liverpool side. The Reds have managed just one victory in their past six outings.

Despite launching the campaign in brilliant fashion, the reigning Premier League champions have dramatically lost their way. Slot's team have surrendered crucial points in the title chase, with their most recent 3-2 loss to Brentford dropping them out of the top four.

Veteran left-back Robertson delivered a damning assessment of the defeat afterwards, having been brought on after 60 minutes to replace new acquisition Milos Kerkez. Liverpool's squad has experienced significant transformation this summer and a "selfish" confession made by the Scotland captain in 2020 might explain the current struggles.

Half a decade ago, Liverpool's attacking trio was celebrated for its brilliance. Salah was undeniably the standout performer but he shared the spotlight with Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino .

It was this front line that propelled the Reds to Premier League glory under Jürgen Klopp during the 2019/20 campaign. Salah netted numerous goals throughout this era but not everyone praised his approach.

Many labelled him selfish and Robertson responded to what he felt was unjust criticism . He told the Liverpool Echo : "The relationship [between the front players] off the pitch is really strong, and on the pitch, the link-up play and everything is always good.

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"But these players are also paid to be selfish and we need them to score goals and take risks in the final third. When they are in front of goal, we expect them to shoot and score.

"There have been certain occasions where people say Bobby [Firmino] could have passed, Sadio could have passed, or Mo could have passed, but these guys are paid money to make split-second decisions and score goals for us.

"Their relationship is really strong just like every other relationship in the squad and that is why over the last couple of years we have been quite successful. You get nowhere without these relationships."

It might be the case that Liverpool's current squad lacks such unity. Take their clash with Brentford, for instance. The Reds' frontline featured two summer arrivals. Hugo Ekitike , snapped up from Frankfurt this summer, led the line with fellow newcomer Florian Wirtz operating just behind.

Cody Gakpo occupied the left flank, though he's only been at Anfield since 2023. Salah patrolled the right wing. From the substitutes' bench, teenage prospect Rio Ngumoha, another 2025 signing, and Federico Chiesa, who joined last year, also featured. Alexander Isak remains on the treatment table, but the summer signing will slot into the attack once he returns to fitness.

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Robertson conceded that a lack of understanding in the final third will create difficulties, and this could be exactly what's plaguing the Reds at present. Their backline and engine room have also experienced wholesale transformation.

While Salah, Mane and Firmino once formed a formidable attacking trio, Slot's team are yet to establish such a rapport. The Reds' attackers used to instinctively know each other's positions, but with the influx of new faces, this understanding is still in the works.

The road ahead doesn't look any smoother for Liverpool . They're set to face Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup next, followed by a league match against Aston Villa at home. Then, they'll welcome Real Madrid to Anfield before heading off to the Etihad to take on fellow title contenders Manchester City .

Robertson will be crossing his fingers that by the time these challenging fixtures come around, Liverpool's forwards will have developed the same intuitive understanding that previously propelled them to glory.