Liverpool’s week has been a tough one, with defeats in two competitions exposing their vulnerabilities despite a season of Premier League dominance. Outplayed in the Champions League and overpowered in the Carabao Cup final, these setbacks have delayed Arne Slot’s first trophy in England and highlighted areas for improvement.
The manager has indicated that the transfer market will be crucial this summer as he looks to reshape a squad built under Jürgen Klopp’s philosophy. So far, only Federico Chiesa has arrived in the past two windows, with his late goal in the cup final being his first significant contribution.
Adding to the challenges are contract situations involving key figures. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah are yet to commit their futures, creating uncertainty for Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes. While Slot is keen to retain all three, the ages of Van Dijk and Salah who will be 34 and 33 respectively next season raise questions. However, both remain at their peak, with Van Dijk feeling in top shape and Salah maintaining incredible form, delivering 27 goals and 17 assists in 29 league games.
While Giorgi Mamardashvili will bolster the goalkeeping department in the summer, Slot’s primary concern lies elsewhere. The past week has exposed issues in midfield, where Liverpool struggled with physicality and stamina. Against Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain, they were overwhelmed, unable to impose themselves. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister looked fatigued, and the absence of a dominant presence at the base of midfield was glaring. Gravenberch, playing in an unfamiliar role after two years of irregular football, has been ever-present in the Premier League under Slot, but the workload is taking a toll.
Wataru Endo has yet to start a league game this season and may be moved on, with Slot seeking a midfielder who can dictate play while handling the physical demands of modern football. When Liverpool control games, they thrive, but when overwhelmed, they struggle to shift momentum. Addressing this imbalance will be a priority in the transfer market.
Salah has been criticized for his performances in the past two games, but his struggles stem from a lack of service. Without midfield dominance, he has received limited possession in the areas where he is most dangerous. Opposition defenders have also been effective in restricting his space, making it harder for him to make an impact.
Slot has already adapted aspects of the playing style he inherited, and the summer will bring further refinements. He favors facing defensive setups that allow his team to dominate possession, but Liverpool must also develop the ability to handle physical battles. Recent matches have shown that teams willing to engage them physically can disrupt their rhythm. Finding solutions will be crucial.
The midfield plays a pivotal role in dictating Liverpool’s performance, and when it falters, the entire team struggles. Against Newcastle, Curtis Jones was the only substitute who injected energy, but it came too late to change the course of the match.
Liverpool must use these defeats as motivation rather than frustration. Losing twice will not define their season, but learning from these setbacks will shape the future. Strengthening key areas in the summer will be essential if they want to maintain their dominance and compete across multiple fronts.
