Liverpool’s shock 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park has taken a dramatic twist, with young defender Milos Kerkez at the center of an unfolding storm.
The Hungarian full-back, just 21 years old, has admitted to making a crucial error in the game, but his post-match revelation about a heated exchange with manager Arne Slot has now shifted the spotlight away from the result itself and onto the internal dynamics at Anfield.
Kerkez openly confessed that his mistake directly contributed to Palace’s opening goal, saying he fully accepts responsibility for letting the team down. However, he added that what happened after the final whistle left him stunned.
Without going into the exact details, Kerkez suggested that the words from his manager went beyond what any player should be expected to tolerate. “I know I made a terrible mistake, but what Arne Slot told me after the game is unacceptable. No player should ever hear that—no matter how badly they perform,” the defender said.
Although Kerkez chose not to reveal Slot’s remarks word-for-word, sources close to the squad claim that the Dutchman sharply questioned the youngster’s mentality and commitment to the team. These alleged criticisms have ignited widespread debate, given that Liverpool had shown resilience to level the match through Federico Chiesa’s second-half strike, only to concede late on to Eddie Nketiah’s decisive goal.
The defeat not only ended Liverpool’s unbeaten run but also exposed a vulnerability on the flanks, with Kerkez heavily targeted by Palace attackers. Yet, for many supporters, the defensive frailties are not the headline—the growing tension between manager and player is.
Some fans are applauding Slot for holding his players to high standards, believing tough love is necessary at the elite level. Others, however, argue that berating a young player so harshly, whether publicly or privately, risks damaging his confidence and creating unrest in the dressing room.
Online forums and fan discussions have been buzzing with questions: “Did Slot overstep the mark?” and “Should Kerkez have kept quiet instead of going public?” The controversy has raised concerns that Liverpool’s seemingly united squad under Slot may already be showing cracks, just months into his reign.
For Crystal Palace, the night was another chapter in their impressive campaign, with Selhurst Park once again proving a fortress. For Liverpool, however, the loss represented more than just three points dropped. It has sparked uncertainty and tension within the club.
All eyes now turn to Arne Slot—will he confront the issue head-on with a public response, or will he attempt to settle matters behind closed doors? One thing is clear: this was more than just a defeat. It may well be the first serious test of Slot’s authority and leadership at Anfield.
