The thing is, we've had this 'perception' of players before on RAWK, with previous squads under previous managers. Every club forum has these sorts of discussions and perceptions of players 'not trying', 'lacking passion', 'can't be arsed': much more often than it really happens. But when a squad is in trouble - chronic lack of confidence, loss of belief in methods or coaching, internal divisions, whatever - that's what it looks like. Players hesitate, lose their touch, mishit passes, play safe, get nervous. It's not lack of effort, it's just human nature. The answer is virtually never that all (or nearly all) of the players are 'phoning it in' all at the same time.
Something is wrong. A lot of stuff is not working.
As you state many players have become nervous, and mistakes are happening. Confidence is shot.
But surely in times like this you play your leaders?
VVD is injured, but surely we use Henderson more, and Milner if possible, to get through this, even despite their form?
Their job on the pitch should be to bring us through this patch.
Instead they're nowhere to be seen.
I look at that team today, and there is not one leader. They're all 'soft' (if I may be allowed to use this word) They crumble at the first bit of pressure, and don't appear to be able to find solutions to get out of it.
They're all looking at each other, and there's no one to lead. (look at the difference casimero has made to Utd) Bellingham alone will not solve this issue.
We need leaders. We can't expect him to be that at such a young age.
As for Salah, he's suffering from poor service, but he's also in a comfort zone as such. I think he thrived in his 'competition' or 'rivalry' with Manι. He wanted to be number 1. Now he knows he is, because there is no competition.
We need to solve this period of poor form immediately. Get back to basics, and hopefully we find a lucky break somewhere.
That can make a huge difference in a game. When was the last time we got a penalty? Correct me if I am wrong, but we haven't got a penalty in the league this season!!! (Utd today got one, and all of a sudden palace are broken, and Utd go on to win the game)
Luck makes a difference, and by God we need it. I genuinely believe we are the worst team in the league at the moment.
I trust Klopp to sort this out, but our leaders need to be allowed to stand up too.
