Liverpool's ambitions for the Premier League title have suffered a significant blow after a string of poor results, culminating in a heavy defeat to Manchester City just before the international break.
Wirtz's Difficult Start at Anfield
The spotlight falls heavily on summer signing Florian Wirtz, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen for a staggering £116million. The 22-year-old German international has yet to score or provide an assist in the league, struggling to adapt to his new surroundings.
His Germany teammate, Newcastle's Nick Woltemade, has now publicly addressed Wirtz's situation. "For every player adjusting isn't easy," Woltemade told RTL. He defended Wirtz's contributions, stating, "On paper, you might not see the goals but if you compare my games with his he's much more involved in the game. He has many touches and makes good plays."
Goalkeeping Problems and Contract Talks
Liverpool's challenges extend beyond their record signing. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, thrust into action due to Alisson's hamstring injury, has had a mixed start. He was at fault in the 2-1 loss to Manchester United and conceded a penalty in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.
His woes continued on international duty, where he was in goal for Georgia's 4-0 loss to Spain, a result that ended their World Cup hopes.
Meanwhile, defender Ibrahima Konate has provided an update on his future. With his contract expiring in 2026 and interest from clubs like Real Madrid, Konate confirmed discussions are ongoing. "My agents continue to discuss with Liverpool," he said. "I hope my decision will be made very soon so I can announce it." He also denied rumours that a new deal had already been offered.
What's Next for Slot's Liverpool?
The immediate focus for manager Arne Slot is arresting the slide in form. After five defeats in six Premier League matches, the team urgently needs a positive result. Their next opportunity comes when players return from international duty for a clash against Sean Dyche's Nottingham Forest.
This match represents a critical chance for Liverpool to regain momentum and for their high-profile signings to begin justifying their substantial price tags.
