The 2025-26 season has turned into a nightmare for Liverpool and manager Arne Slot, as the death of forward Diogo Jota in a car accident in July presaged a dramatic decline on the pitch. Jota, who had undergone minor lung surgery, was killed along with his brother André while travelling from Portugal to England. The tragedy came just weeks after Liverpool's title celebrations were marred by a vehicle attack that injured 134 people, casting a shadow over what should have been a triumphant summer.
Despite early-season success, including a British record £125m signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle, Liverpool's form collapsed after a series of late defeats. Losses to Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Galatasaray, and Manchester United were followed by a 3-0 defeat at Manchester City and a shocking 3-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest. A 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven left the team in disarray.
Slot responded by dropping Mohamed Salah, the previous season's double footballer of the year, a decision that sparked a public rift. After being benched for three games, Salah launched a verbal attack on the manager in the mixed zone, stating, 'I think the club has thrown me under the bus.' Relations were later patched up, but it was announced in March that Salah would leave at the end of the season.
Injury and fitness struggles further plagued the squad. Isak, who forced his way out of Newcastle by not training, struggled for fitness and broke his left leg in a December game against Tottenham after finally scoring his first league goal. The £100m+ duo of Isak and Florian Wirtz had combined for the goal, but rather than a turning point, it epitomised a cursed campaign. Despite a 13-match unbeaten run after that win, Liverpool's title defence had already unravelled.
