Liverpool’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain raised more than a few eyebrows, with Arne Slot’s decision to expose Ibrahima Konate in a back three central to the Reds’ failures.

It was a bold decision from the Dutch coach, and though it arguably offered greater defensive structure, it created a scenario which PSG were only too happy to exploit.

Konate, deployed as the right centre-back, was repeatedly drawn up the pitch, leaving acres of space in behind for the hosts to attack. And according to former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman, Slot was to blame for creating a scenario which continuously hung his No. 5 out to dry.

Konate’s role was one which demanded near-perfection in both timing and positioning, and against elite opposition with pace to burn, even the slightest misstep was punished.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, McManaman didn’t hold back in his assessment, highlighting how the Frenchman struggled within a system that appeared to work against him rather than for...