Liverpool’s draw with Chelsea evoked a strong negative reaction from the stands at Anfield, and it is not difficult to understand why.
The Reds were expected to beat a Chelsea side that arrived on a run of six straight defeats, but the performance was characteristically unconvincing. It was another result that added to the growing sense of disconnection between the team and supporters.
Joe Gomez has addressed that atmosphere and accepted the obvious truth. If Liverpool want the boos to stop, they have to give supporters something better.
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Joe Gomez says there is only one way to get Liverpool fans back onside
Gomez only came on in the 77th minute, so the criticism after the Chelsea game should not really fall on him.
But as one of the most experienced players in the squad, he still fronted up with a considered response.
Asked whether the widespread booing was aimed at Arne Slot, he responded (via Liverpool Echo): “I can’t engage or give you a guide on that but, fundamentally, if we win the game, there’s no boos so that’s the bit that we have to do and that’s all we can try and affect.”
Gomez did not dismiss the frustration, and he did not try to dress it up as something it was not. Liverpool fans are unhappy because the results and performances have not been good enough.
The atmosphere at Anfield has turned because supporters are not seeing enough fight, quality or direction from the team.
He added: “I understand the frustration, yeah, 100%. We’ve all said on record a few times this year we know this is not where we want to be and the position we want to be in. We understand it. I hope you could see the urgency that we want to win.”
Joe Gomez says Liverpool players must rally around each other
After addressing the performance, Gomez discussed the efforts to instil the Liverpool culture — if it even still exists — in new players.
He explained: “We don’t just come in and go home every day. There’s so many conversations and it is our responsibility, all the players and the ones who’ve experienced it, to try and get that across in training.
“This place comes with a lot of expectation and pressure and that takes time to understand and really get a full picture of. We have to just do our best to rally around each other and try to get the boys’ heads in the right direction.”
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Gomez is Liverpool’s longest-serving player, and he has lived through the highs and lows at Anfield. He knows how quickly the mood can shift, but he also knows it will not change through words alone.
Liverpool only have two games left to influence how supporters feel heading into the summer. That is not much time, but it is still enough to paint the campaign in a more favourable light.
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