Why did Liverpool players 'give up'?

Slot pressure grows after FA Cup collapse

Liverpool’s 4–0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City did not just end the club’s run in the competition—it also triggered blunt internal criticism about attitude and execution. Multiple Liverpool leaders pointed to a lack of fight and poor basic performance once the match turned against them.

Virgil van Dijk accused Liverpool of giving up, suggesting the group stopped competing in a sustained way after City took control. Dominik Szoboszlai echoed that frustration, saying Liverpool did not fight and lacked the right mentality to win. Together, those comments indicate that players believe the problem was not solely tactical.

Arne Slot also addressed the basics in the aftermath, conceding that Liverpool were “ruthlessly punished” for not doing those fundamentals often enough during the game. The combination of player quotes and coaching reaction matters because it points to a specific correction path: intensity, structure in key moments, and staying connected as the opponent gains momentum.

The timing increases the significance. Slot was already under pressure heading into the tie, and an FA Cup exit leaves fewer opportunities to offset broader season concerns. When a defeat of that magnitude is followed by public remarks from the captain and a key midfielder, it typically accelerates scrutiny on:

• mental readiness when under pressure,
• intensity after conceding early,
• defensive details and game-state awareness,
• and leadership standards in matches where energy can change quickly.

If Liverpool can quickly reestablish those basics, the damage may stabilize. If not, the public nature of the criticism suggests the pressure cycle will only intensify heading into upcoming league and European matches.