Liverpool’s hopes of cementing a top-four finish took a heavy blow on Tuesday night as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat against relegation-threatened Wolves. The loss at Molineux not only dented their Champions League qualification prospects but also sparked fierce criticism from former striker Michael Owen. The ex-England international singled out summer signing Milos Kerkez, describing the Hungarian defender as “a bag of nerves” and questioning his ability to cope with the pressure of playing at Anfield. Owen’s remarks have intensified scrutiny on Arne Slot’s squad, which now faces mounting pressure in a season of transition.
Despite dominating possession for large spells, Liverpool failed to convert their control into meaningful chances. Wolves struck first through Rodrigo Gomes, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to put the hosts ahead. Mohamed Salah appeared to rescue the Reds late on, equalizing with just seven minutes of normal time remaining. However, the drama was far from over. In stoppage time, Andre’s deflected strike sealed a shock victory for Wolves, handing them only their third league win of the campaign. The result left Liverpool stranded in fifth place, with Chelsea poised to leapfrog them should they defeat Aston Villa. For a side chasing Champions League football, the setback was both damaging and demoralizing.
Michael Owen reserved his sharpest words for Milos Kerkez, who joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in a £40 million deal last summer. Owen argued that the young defender looked overwhelmed by the occasion, struggling to handle the intensity of life at Anfield. “He looks like a bag of nerves, like he doesn’t want the ball,” Owen said, adding that Kerkez seemed “in a trance constantly.” While praising his performances at Bournemouth, Owen insisted Liverpool is “a different kettle of fish” and suggested the club may be too big for him at present. His solution was clear: reinstate veteran Andy Robertson to the starting lineup to restore stability and leadership in defense.
Owen’s critique extended beyond Kerkez, as he highlighted broader weaknesses in Liverpool’s current squad compared to last season. He claimed the team is “much weaker” in four key areas, pointing to the dip in Cody Gakpo’s form, Salah’s gradual decline with age, and the fitness struggles of full-back replacements Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong. The decision to sideline Robertson prematurely was, in Owen’s view, a costly mistake. He argued that Robertson’s experience and composure remain vital assets, particularly in high-pressure fixtures. For Owen, Liverpool’s transition has left them vulnerable, with the squad overhaul failing to deliver the expected improvements.
Arne Slot now faces a crucial decision ahead of Friday’s FA Cup rematch against Wolves. The manager must weigh whether to persist with Kerkez in hopes of building his confidence or heed Owen’s advice by recalling Robertson. The FA Cup represents a vital opportunity for silverware, and Slot’s selection could prove decisive. With Liverpool’s defense increasingly fragile in key moments, the balance between nurturing youth and relying on experience has become a pressing dilemma.
The defeat at Molineux fits into a worrying pattern of inconsistency for Liverpool in 2026. Their form since the turn of the year has been patchy, and a congested fixture list looms large. After the FA Cup tie, they face Tottenham Hotspur in the league, a clash that could further shape their top-four ambitions. Chelsea’s potential rise above them adds extra pressure, while the summer transfer window is expected to be pivotal in addressing squad depth and quality. Owen’s comments have reignited debate about whether Liverpool’s rebuild has left them exposed in critical areas.
For Milos Kerkez, the coming weeks will be a defining test of character. He must prove he can overcome the nerves and adapt to the relentless demands of Anfield, or risk becoming a scapegoat for defensive lapses. Meanwhile, Arne Slot’s decisions—whether to back youth or lean on experience—could shape Liverpool’s trajectory for the remainder of the season. The central question now is whether Liverpool’s transition can stabilize in time to secure Champions League football, or whether nerves and inconsistency will derail their ambitions. One thing is certain: the pressure is mounting, and the margin for error is shrinking fast.
