“Liverpool’s Defensive Collapse: How Hesitation in September Could Cost the Reds Their Season”
Liverpool’s season has been defined not by spectacular failures in attack, but by a defensive collapse that has left fans and pundits alike questioning the club’s strategy. Back in September, the Reds had an unmissable opportunity to construct a championship-level backline — a chance to build what many called “three Van Dijks.” With Virgil van Dijk leading the defense, Giovanni Leoni set to contribute before his injury, and Marc Guehi available for transfer, Liverpool could have created a stable, dominant defensive unit. Yet, instead of acting decisively, manager Arne Slot chose to rely on an improvised defensive setup, trusting that a patched-together squad could survive the rigors of the Premier League. That gamble has backfired spectacularly.
The consequences of this decision have been painfully clear. Liverpool have conceded 20 goals in just 12 league matches, suffered eight defeats in their last eleven games, and endured humiliating results like the 0–3 loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield — a defeat that underscored just how fragile their defense has become. Where Van Dijk once commanded authority and organized the backline, now cracks appear in every game. Konaté’s confidence has been shaken, the full-backs are overexposed, and the midfield is forced into constant damage control rather than controlling matches. The team is no longer proactive but reactive, struggling to cope with problems that could have been addressed months ago.
Personnel decisions have compounded the problem. Joe Gomez, a versatile defender who could have strengthened the backline, has been sidelined, while Slot attempted to reorganize the defense with makeshift solutions involving midfielders and emergency rotations. The result is a lack of cohesion, slow transitions, and constant vulnerability to counterattacks. Fundamental defensive principles — second-ball recoveries, clearances, and basic coordination — have eroded, leaving the Reds repeatedly exposed. In hindsight, the opportunity to sign Marc Guehi now seems critical. Guehi would have offered leadership, Premier League experience, and a consistent presence at the heart of the defense. By hesitating, Liverpool gambled with their season.
September’s inaction also highlights the danger of overconfidence. Slot believed coaching alone could fix structural issues, while the club assumed the existing squad depth would suffice. But in the Premier League, tactical acumen cannot compensate for gaps in quality. The results speak for themselves: slow build-ups, poor defensive positioning, and repeated breakdowns have undermined Liverpool’s campaign. Every match without reinforcements has increased pressure on the squad, while fan frustration has grown with every avoidable defeat.
Now, the January transfer window looms as Liverpool’s last lifeline. Reports suggest a return for Guehi is possible, while alternative targets such as Piero Hincapié, António Silva, or even an experienced veteran are also being considered. The key is decisive action: no hesitation, no waiting until the summer. The top four and Champions League spots are slipping away, and the team cannot afford further mistakes. Liverpool’s future this season depends entirely on how aggressively and effectively they address the defensive void.
Ultimately, Liverpool’s story this autumn is a cautionary tale of opportunity lost. September represented a chance to lay the foundation for long-term success, but hesitation has left the club scrambling. The Reds must now act swiftly to stabilize their defense, rebuild confidence, and reclaim their place among the Premier League elite. The lessons are clear: overconfidence and delay can destroy campaigns, and in football, second chances are rare. January may be Liverpool’s last window to rewrite their narrative — if they fail, the consequences could echo far beyond the remainder of this season.
