Hugo Ekitike's pointed dig at tactics against Liverpool after Arne Slot statement

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Hugo Ekitike has appeared to aim a pointed dig at the way Liverpool set up in their recent draw with Fulham, contrasting those tactics with comments made by Arne Slot about how he wants his team to play. In a post‑match reflection, the forward spoke about the kind of service and attacking approach strikers rely on, implying that the game plan against Liverpool did not make the most of his strengths.

The Frenchman highlighted how difficult it is for a centre‑forward when a team sits too deep or struggles to progress the ball quickly and cleanly into the final third. He suggested that long spells without quality delivery into the box or opportunities to attack space can leave a striker isolated and frustrated, remarks that appeared to be a veiled criticism of the tactical setup used against Liverpool.

Those comments gained extra attention because they came soon after Slot publicly underlined his own attacking principles at Anfield. The Liverpool head coach has repeatedly stressed the importance of front‑foot football, quick combinations and wide players providing frequent crosses and cut‑backs to supply the central striker. Slot has also talked about tailoring his system to bring the best out of Ekitike, praising the forward’s movement and penalty‑box instincts.

The perceived tension between Ekitike’s remarks and Slot’s philosophy has sparked debate among supporters. Some see the striker’s words as an honest assessment of a game plan that became too passive and cautious, especially in a match where Liverpool dominated the ball for long spells. Others interpret them as a message to ensure that future setups, whether for or against Liverpool, are built around giving attackers consistent service rather than leaving them to feed off scraps.

In any case, Ekitike’s pointed observation has sharpened focus on how Slot’s evolving Liverpool side can best support their main striker and maintain the proactive attacking style the manager has promised.