Liverpool Football Club finds itself in a perilous situation. They’ve gone nine of their last twelve matches in all competitions down in defeat, and their form lately has been catastrophic. Such a sorry display has raised the eyebrows and concern of shareholders, supporters and pundits alike at what the future may hold for coach Arne Slot. He may not be about to lose his job just yet.
The team’s latest defeats include three consecutive losses by margins of three goals or more, a first for Liverpool since December 1953. The club’s history reveals that such a turbulent spell has not been seen in decades, with nine losses over a twelve-game period mirroring the club’s worst streak from November 1953 to January 1954.
Analysts and former players are adding their voices to the debate. As BT’s Jamie Carragher noted, Slot’s position may remain secure for the time being, but the heat has surely turned up. He stated, “Each defeat, especially the manner of the defeat, you become closer to the crisis. I don’t like using that because a crisis to me is a club that needs years to get back to the top.”
A Team in Decline
Liverpool’s current predicament can hardly be pinned on the coaching staff. The focus of criticism has shifted towards their players, especially their older core. The crux of the club’s spine just got thicker. Key figures such as Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah, and Alisson Becker aren’t at the peak of their powers any longer. Carragher remarked on this issue, suggesting that “some Liverpool players are not good enough to win the biggest trophies.”
The statistics further emphasize this decline. Ever since 2020/21, Liverpool have been running less distance per 90 minutes each campaign. This trend simultaneously reflects a concerning drop in intensity and energy within the attack. That second half collapse theme is a glaring one, as the team still approaches a league-record pace for goals conceded on the season.
Additionally, Virgil van Dijk has failed to offer much in the way of leadership. His recent handball conceded that led to a penalty conceded illustrates how his impact on the game is quickly fading. Carragher noted that “Virgil van Dijk now can’t help other players,” highlighting the defensive frailties that have emerged.
Key Players Underperforming
The pain reaches to Liverpool and Egyptian star forward, Mo Salah. Going by expected goals and expected assist numbers in recent matches, Salah has not been himself, which is putting his form and fitness into question. This downturn comes just months after the majority of the squad celebrated winning the league, indicating a stark contrast between past success and current failures.
Alisson’s injury woes further complicate matters. The goalkeeper has been forced out multiple times in the past week, forcing even more pressure on an already beleaguered back line. Even to assemble the team that they’re trying to face these daunting challenges. The lack of essential actors from the cast has compounded the other obstacles for them.
Carragher doesn’t dismiss Slot’s future just yet and agrees that he has enough time to fix the problems. That said, even in an incredibly positive environment—you can’t deny that this is a massively dysfunctional team. They’re on a terrible run. Faith is at an all-time low,” he lamented. Slot must make more tactical adjustments than this to go any further. He needs to re-instill confidence in the team and bump up their performance.
The Future of Liverpool
Looking ahead, the obstacles now standing in Liverpool’s way beg important questions about their long-term approach and ability to keep their best players. Carragher pointed out that “this is maybe a snapshot of the future of Liverpool when Mo Salah moves on, Virgil van Dijk moves on, and Alisson moves on.” As these key players near the twilight of their careers, it becomes increasingly vital for the club to invest in younger talent and rebuild its foundation.
It is here that critics have called Liverpool to move more quickly to fill its many gaps and blind spots. However, recent performances, and an over-reliance throughout the squad, have brought to light some glaring weaknesses. They need to focus on these challenges to get back to their glory days.
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