The Post-Title Hangover: From Champions to Challengers in Record Time
Just last season, Arne Slot led Liverpool to a remarkable Premier League title, a testament to his tactical acumen and the squad`s undeniable talent. It was, by all accounts, a dream debut season, taking a mere 27 matches to register a second loss across all competitions. Fast forward to the present, and the narrative has taken a sharp turn. The recent 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in the atmospheric cauldron of Rams Park, Istanbul, marked the Reds` second loss in just nine matches this season – a stark statistical anomaly that has sent ripples of concern through the fanbase and pundits alike.
The glaring inconsistencies aren`t confined to knockout matches. Even earlier league victories often required last-gasp heroics, a red flag for any team with title aspirations. The consensus among many, including a certain outspoken former defender, is that something is fundamentally amiss.
Carragher`s Caustic Critique: “It`s Not the Defeats, It`s the Performances”
Few understand the pulse of Liverpool Football Club quite like Jamie Carragher. The former Reds defender, now a sharp-witted analyst for CBS Sports, hasn`t minced words about what he`s witnessing. His assessment cuts straight to the core: the problem isn`t merely the scoreboard, but the very fabric of Liverpool’s play.
“It`s concerning, but the last two games aren`t just concerning. I think Liverpool`s full nine games this season have been very concerning. I was worried about Liverpool very early on… I don`t feel like I`m watching a top team. Liverpool aren`t playing football at the moment, they`re playing basketball, it`s end to end, and I don`t think top teams play like that.”
This “basketball” analogy paints a vivid picture: a team lacking defensive solidity and midfield control, playing an open, chaotic game where either side could score, but neither truly dominates. It`s a style antithetical to championship-winning football, where tactical discipline and defensive impermeability are often the cornerstones of success.
Unpacking the Tactical Quandary: A Delicate Balance Lost
The underlying issues appear multifaceted, extending from player deployment to squad balance.
The Wirtz Conundrum: A Star in Search of a Role
Florian Wirtz, a significant summer acquisition, finds himself under the microscope. While undeniably talented, his transition from a pivotal role at Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool has been arduous. At Leverkusen, Wirtz was the undisputed creative fulcrum, enjoying abundant touches and orchestrating attacks. At Liverpool, alongside established stars like Mohamed Salah and the attacking firepower of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, his influence has waned, his touches fewer, and his shooting output significantly reduced.
Carragher’s blunt suggestion: “I think he needs to come out of the team for Liverpool to get back to where they were last season.” While perhaps harsh for a young player adapting to a new league, it underscores the immediate need for balance over individual brilliance if it disrupts the collective.
Positional Puzzles: Square Pegs in Round Holes?
The recent lineup against Galatasaray, featuring Jeremie Frimpong on the wing (usually Salah’s domain) and Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back, speaks volumes. Frimpong, acquired to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold and provide dynamism, thrives as a wing-back, a role Liverpool rarely employs. His current deployment seems to dilute his attacking prowess without fully shoring up the defense.
Szoboszlai, a midfield powerhouse, being relegated to emergency right-back duty (and subsequently conceding a penalty) is perhaps the most visible symptom of a deeper malaise. It highlights a critical imbalance and a lack of clear defensive options. The departure of young defender Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, where he immediately became a starter, further exposes the thin ice Liverpool treads at the back, especially with Ibrahima Konate’s recent struggles.
Arne Slot`s Urgent To-Do List: Rediscovering the Reds` Identity
Having inherited a team “ready to win” from Jurgen Klopp and indeed having won with it in his inaugural season, Slot now faces the more challenging task of reigniting its spark. Time, as always in top-flight football, is a luxury he doesn`t possess. With Arsenal breathing down their necks in the Premier League and a crucial clash against Chelsea looming, immediate solutions are paramount.
Based on observations and Carragher’s insights, here are the most pressing adjustments:
1. Restore Szoboszlai to the Engine Room
The dynamic midfield pairing of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai was a cornerstone of last season’s success. Their relentless work rate, defensive contributions, and creative passing ability made Liverpool a formidable opponent. With Conor Bradley`s return, the need for Szoboszlai as an emergency right-back diminishes. Moving him back to his natural, influential midfield role is crucial for regaining control and drive in the center of the park.
2. Define Frimpong`s Consistent Role
Jeremie Frimpong`s talent is undeniable, but his role remains ambiguous. While a capable wing-back, Liverpool`s tactical setup rarely accommodates this. Playing him as a winger, while showcasing his attacking intent, might not be his optimal position given Salah’s presence and the need for defensive responsibility. Slot must pinpoint a consistent role that leverages Frimpong’s strengths without compromising team structure. Perhaps a deeper, more attacking right-back role within a back four, allowing him to push high, or a more defined wide attacking role that integrates better with defensive duties.
3. Explore Creative Defensive Solutions
The defensive corps is alarmingly thin. With Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Ibrahima Konate as the only natural center-backs, and Giovanni Leoni out for the season, Slot`s options are severely limited. While not a natural center-back, Ryan Gravenberch has occasionally dropped deeper in a back-three setup. Could this positional flexibility be explored further in a back-four system, even as a temporary measure? Or could Wataru Endo, who has played there previously, offer a more consistent, albeit unconventional, solution? The January transfer window is still distant, forcing Slot to look inward for immediate answers.
The Road Ahead: A Test of Character and Coaching
Liverpool remains at the top of the Premier League, albeit precariously. This precarious position, coupled with the glaring performance issues, sets the stage for a critical period. The upcoming Chelsea clash isn`t just another fixture; it`s a litmus test of Slot`s ability to swiftly address systemic flaws and reignite the team`s winning mentality. The Reds` identity, once so clear, has become blurred. The challenge now is to sharpen that focus, restore balance, and remind everyone why they were champions just last season. The story of Liverpool`s season is far from written, but the current chapter demands a compelling turnaround.
Benedict Kingsley 
Adrian Whitmore