Liverpool’s bright start under Arne Slot has quickly collapsed into a worrying spell of defeats, injuries, and tactical uncertainty. After seven straight wins, confidence was high, the new signings looked promising, and supporters believed the club was set for another successful season. But two costly losses have shifted the mood dramatically.
The setback in Istanbul against Galatasaray was the most alarming. Liverpool looked disjointed in a 1-0 defeat and suffered injuries to Alisson Becker and Hugo Ekitike. For a club that associates Istanbul with European triumph, the performance raised serious questions about the team’s direction.
Jamie Carragher added to the concerns with a blunt analysis. He claimed Liverpool were playing “basketball” rather than football, highlighting the lack of control and defensive structure. While praising the talent of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, he argued that the squad had lost the balance that once made Liverpool so difficult to beat. Carragher even suggested that Wirtz, the club’s £116 million signing, may need to be benched temporarily to restore stability.
Slot defended his decisions, explaining that constant rotation has been necessary because several players missed pre-season and are not physically ready for a demanding match schedule. His preference for a smaller squad has also been tested, with injuries forcing youngsters like Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni into key roles earlier than expected.
Ekitike’s situation remains a major worry. He has been Liverpool’s most dangerous attacker so far, and any significant setback would add to the pressure ahead of the upcoming match against Chelsea. That game has become crucial. A win could calm the storm; a third straight defeat could deepen the doubts surrounding Slot’s early tenure.
Liverpool’s season now hangs in the balance. The early winning streak masked issues that are becoming clearer with each match. Slot must quickly restore defensive organisation, settle his new signings, and steady a squad that suddenly looks fragile.
This is the first true test of the Slot era. How he responds will shape not only the next few weeks, but perhaps the entire season.
