Let’s zoom out a bit and look at the facts and the bigger picture concering Liverpool FC. Arne Slot won the title last year with a 100% inherited squad that Klopp didn’t win the Premier League (PL) with. They were an established side, knew each other and the tactics. Plus, Klopps newer signings were 1yr wiser to the PL eg: probably better versions than Klopp had access to.
Arne came in and was wise enough not to meddle too much, but made key changes to Gravenberch’s role plus remodelled Diaz to an option for centre forward (along with Jota and Darwin) . Everyone had 7-8/ 10 seasons – particularly Mo. Trent also turned a few losses to wins, we shouldn’t forget that.
This season the playing staff lost Jota, Darwin, Diaz, Trent, Harvey, Quansah, Kelleher, Tsimikas + other squad options (McConnell, Morton) . Huge changes including potentially 8 starting options, especially for competitions like the League Cup or Champions League (CL) dead rubbers.
In came Mamardash, Ekitike, Isak, Wirtz, Frimpong, Kerkez, Leoni plus a few lesser squad options. So, 7 new 1st team players but only 2 had experience of the PL and 2 with experience of the CL.
Given the scale of the changes, plus Mo, Robbo and Virg another year older, it seemed clear (despite the record breaking transfers) this was a genuine ‘transition’ season.
To some extent it was unavoidable with the terrible loss of Jota and key players who wanted to leave (Trent and Diaz) . Most were also content to see Darwin upgraded.
Taking this into consideration, expectations should have been reset. It was unlikely this squad would retain the title, indeed, this squad never won the title in the first place!
1. We are a new side and still working things out.
2. We are not currently playing well – not disputed.
3. Some of our most reliable performers are out of form – it happens.
If we step back and accept the reality, top 4 would appear a reasonable target – plus going toe to toe with the top sides in the PL and CL.
As far as I can see, top 4 is still achievable, but there’s likely to be plenty of ups and downs on the way.
What we as fans need to do is not panic and keep supporting. This is a massive challenge for Arne and the players, massive. They need us more than ever.