It has been a challenging start for Arne Slot when it comes to big occasions under the Wembley arch. Since taking over as Liverpool manager, he has guided the Reds to two major finals — the League Cup Final and the Community Shield — but both ended in disappointment. For a club and fan base used to lifting silverware, these back-to-back defeats have been difficult to digest.
The League Cup Final saw Liverpool come up short despite a spirited performance, with missed chances and defensive lapses proving costly. Then came the Community Shield, where hopes of starting the season with a trophy were dashed once again, as key moments swung in the opposition’s favour.
Speaking after the most recent loss, Slot was open about the reasons behind the defeats. He pointed to the team’s lack of clinical finishing, the impact of fatigue from a congested schedule, and the absence of certain influential players due to injuries. The Dutchman also admitted that adapting his tactical style to the intensity of English finals has been a learning curve, one he is determined to master.
While critics have been quick to raise doubts, Slot remains optimistic. He believes these setbacks are part of a process that will ultimately make Liverpool stronger, both mentally and tactically. The focus now turns to using these painful Wembley experiences as motivation for the rest of the season — with the hope that the next trip to the national stadium ends in celebration rather than frustration.
