Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has claimed that Ange Postecoglou fell for Arne Slot’s mind games after their 6-3 defeat earlier today.
Jamie Carragher, analysing the match on Sky Sports, suggested that Liverpool manager Arne Slot may have outsmarted Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou before the game even began.
Slot’s pre-match remarks, while appearing complimentary, may have been a calculated effort to influence Tottenham’s approach. Ahead of the encounter, Slot praised Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy, lauding it as a progressive and exciting style for modern football.
Carragher implied that these comments were designed to subtly encourage Spurs to stick to their expansive, attack-first strategy, even against Liverpool’s formidable frontline. Slot’s remarks downplayed concerns about the risks of such an approach, seemingly planting the seeds for Tottenham’s tactical misstep.
Carragher said:
“People thought he was defending Postecoglou, I don’t believe that.
“He was desperate for Tottenham to play the same way. Liverpool could have scored 10!
“Everyone I spoke to after that press conference, it was obvious.”
The Merseyside club fully exploited Spurs’ open setup, delivering a masterclass in pressing and finishing. By halftime, goals from Diaz, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai had given the visitors a commanding 3-1 lead, with James Maddison’s strike providing Tottenham’s lone bright spot in the opening 45 minutes.
The second half saw Liverpool continue their dominance, with Diaz completing his brace and Salah adding two more to his tally. Although late goals from Kulusevski and Solanke narrowed the margin, they were little more than consolation for a Spurs side outclassed on the day.
Postecoglou’s dedication to attacking football has been a hallmark of his tenure, earning widespread admiration. However, the absence of key defensive players, including goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, and Micky van de Ven, left Spurs heavily exposed. A makeshift backline featuring 18-year-old Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin, and Djed Spence struggled to cope with Liverpool’s relentless attack.
As Tottenham face mounting challenges, they must regroup quickly to find defensive solidity and regain momentum. The coming weeks will test the team’s resilience and Postecoglou’s ability to adapt under pressure.
