Arne Slot has vowed that Liverpool's next season will be an improvement on a disappointing sophomore year under the Dutchman, but there is little evidence so far to support his optimism. The Reds have struggled with consistency, defensive lapses, and injury setbacks, leaving fans questioning whether Slot can replicate Jurgen Klopp's ability to finish seasons strongly and bounce back.
Klopp's Legacy of Strong Finishes
Jurgen Klopp had a knack for making people feel good, even in difficult seasons. In 2020-21, Liverpool won their final five league matches and eight of their last ten to secure Champions League qualification. In 2022-23, they won seven of their last nine league games, though they ended up in the Europa League. In both cases, Liverpool's spring surge offered hope that the following campaign would be better, and it was. Now, Arne Slot frequently claims next year will be superior, but many are unconvinced. The evidence is less compelling, and the feel around the club is different.
Defensive Frailties Continue
Liverpool had won three consecutive Premier League matches before Sunday's defeat to Manchester United. However, Slot acknowledged that the Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain had dampened spirits. Unlike Klopp's heartening win at Old Trafford in 2021, there was no repeat this weekend. Instead, Liverpool repeated errors that have plagued their campaign. Matheus Cunha's opener was the 17th league goal they have conceded from a set-piece, a club record in the Premier League era. Kobbie Mainoo's winner was the 16th they have let in during the final 15 minutes; only Burnley and Newcastle have been more porous late in games. This reflects how Liverpool have often felt stretched, with starters exhausted due to injuries.
Slot argues that next year will be better because new signings will improve with more time together and injuries will decrease. However, Alexander Isak's absence on Sunday due to a minor groin problem further questions Liverpool's decision to spend £125 million on a player with a dubious fitness record.
Mental and Physical Robustness Needed
Captain Virgil van Dijk stated, "It's unacceptable that we have lost too many times as defending champions of the Premier League." Liverpool have suffered 11 league defeats and 18 in all competitions, with five coming in injury time, highlighting issues with resolve and fitness. Sunday was the 10th loss in which they conceded in the first 16 minutes, indicating too many slow starts.
Manchester United dominated the early stages, supporting the theory that Liverpool lack physicality. Set-piece problems can be traced to a lack of tall players with aerial ability, aside from Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. Slot also lamented being caught on the counter-attack for United's second goal, scored by Benjamin Sesko. Michael Carrick noted that Liverpool's midfield-heavy lineup should have been able to halt counter-attacks, but the absence of a specialist defensive midfielder has been costly. Liverpool have already conceded 47 league goals.
Midfield Rebalancing Required
Liverpool desperately need Dominik Szoboszlai to sign a new deal. Ryan Gravenberch has had a mixed season, while Alexis Mac Allister has been poor aside from a few fine displays, partly due to not being fully fit at the start. Slot has continued picking Mac Allister, sometimes at the expense of Curtis Jones, whose contract expires in 2027. Mac Allister played an inadvertent part in two United goals and looked the slowest man in midfield. While Szoboszlai has improved, Mac Allister has regressed. After Isak and Mohamed Salah, he may be Liverpool's most disappointing player. There is a case to sell him and reinvest in a defensive midfielder. Slot should also prioritize Jones, who has made 46 appearances but too few starts in midfield. He is currently playing in defence because Slot does not trust right-back Jeremie Frimpong.
Transfer Priorities and Future Outlook
Liverpool likely need to add a right-back to their shopping list, alongside a replacement for Salah. The arrival of Jeremy Jacquet and the return to fitness of Giovanni Leoni would add physicality in defence, but there are questions about character when Andy Robertson and Salah leave, potentially Alisson as well. A team that has suffered too many setbacks fought back from 2-0 on Sunday, but there have been times when they put up too little resistance, except for Szoboszlai. Van Dijk said, "There will be a lot of work that has to be done going into next season." So far, there are too few reasons to believe Liverpool can emulate Klopp's teams and bounce back into excellent years.
