Liverpool's Struggles Under Arne Slot: A Call for Change
When Liverpool fans reflect on the legacy of Bill Shankly, they often do so with fondness for the achievements of the legendary manager who shaped the club into what it is today.
However, Liverpool's current head coach, Arne Slot, found himself compared to Shankly for less flattering reasons following the team's 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday.
This loss marked only the second occasion since April 1965, during Shankly's tenure, that Liverpool has suffered consecutive league defeats by three or more goals, having previously lost to Manchester City.
The result starkly highlighted the alarming decline of last season's Premier League champions, with Liverpool now sitting in 12th place, a staggering 11 points behind league leaders Arsenal after enduring six defeats in their last seven matches.
Liverpool's chairman, Tom Werner, witnessed this disheartening performance firsthand after flying in from the United States, raising further questions about Slot's management as he faces mounting pressure.
What challenges must Slot address to alleviate this pressure and counter claims that Liverpool's nearly £450 million summer spending has led to a downward spiral?
Can Slot Revitalize Isak and Wirtz?
Werner departed Anfield after observing Alexander Isak's disappointing performance, leaving many to wonder what Liverpool's ownership group, FSG, had truly acquired for their £125 million investment.
Isak, the club's marquee summer signing from Newcastle United, arrived amid a tumultuous transfer saga, which included the striker's efforts to force his move.
This British record fee followed Liverpool's £116 million acquisition of Germany's Florian Wirtz, who has yet to contribute a goal or assist in the Premier League this season.
Wirtz, struggling to adapt to the Premier League's physical demands, was sidelined due to injury during the match against Forest.
Both players possess undeniable talent, but Slot must find a way to unlock their potential quickly, especially considering their combined cost of £241 million.
Isak's lackluster performance against Forest brought Liverpool's issues into sharp focus. Despite his previous success at Newcastle, he appeared out of sorts and was substituted after 68 minutes.
With only 14 touches during the match—11 in the first half, and just two in the first 25 minutes—Isak's impact was negligible, prompting criticism that even the much-maligned Darwin Nunez would have shown more effort.
Hugo Ekitike, who has been a bright spot among Liverpool's summer signings, was relegated to a substitute role due to Slot's decision to start Isak. When Ekitike finally entered the game after 55 minutes, he was placed on the left flank.
As Liverpool's leading scorer this season with six goals, Ekitike's performance raises questions about Slot's decision-making, which seems to indicate a manager struggling to find answers and relying too heavily on an expensive signing.
Given their combined cost of nearly £200 million, it appears one of the two must settle for a place on the bench as evidence mounts that they cannot coexist effectively on the pitch.
Should Slot Consider Dropping Salah?
In a recent podcast, former England captain Wayne Rooney suggested that Mohamed Salah's position in the lineup should be reconsidered.
Rooney commented, "If I were Slot, I would make a significant decision to impact the rest of the team. Salah is not contributing defensively."
He added, "For players on the bench who see Salah not putting in the effort, what message does that send?"
While Salah has faced criticism for his lack of defensive contributions in losses to Chelsea, Brentford, and Manchester City, he was one of the few bright spots for Liverpool against Forest, posing a serious threat despite fading as the match progressed.
Slot has already benched Salah in matches against Galatasaray and Eintracht Frankfurt, achieving mixed results. Although Salah is not performing at his world-class best, he remains one of Liverpool's key players, and Slot needs all hands on deck during this challenging period.
The time to consider life without Salah will be when the Africa Cup of Nations commences in December, not now.
Should Slot Return to Basics?
In his first season, Slot demonstrated a keen understanding of tactics, successfully implementing changes such as utilizing Ryan Gravenberch in a crucial midfield role.
However, this season has seen a departure from that clarity. Liverpool's most impressive victories came when Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister anchored the midfield alongside Dominik Szoboszlai, suggesting a potential return to those foundational strategies.
Slot's decision to place Wirtz in an advanced position has left the team appearing unbalanced and vulnerable, further complicating his tactical approach.
Amid Liverpool's struggles, Szoboszlai has been one of the standout performers, yet he was forced into an unfamiliar right-back position against Forest due to injuries and tactical choices.
Slot's £70 million investment in full-backs has not yielded the desired results, with players like Milos Kerkez struggling to adapt. Joe Gomez, who has experience in the right-back position, would have been a more logical choice against Forest, allowing Szoboszlai to play a more influential role in midfield.
Slot's substitutions during the match felt desperate rather than strategic, further highlighting his struggle to find effective solutions.
Liverpool Must Revive Interest in Guehi
Liverpool faced disappointment when a £35 million deadline-day deal for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi fell through.