Liverpool: When the dream of 'evolution' turns into a crisis

Liverpool is entering its most challenging phase since Arne Slot assumed the head coach role. Three straight losses have not only cost the team the league lead but also revealed a range of problems.

While early-season positive results could conceal a lack of fluid play, now all weaknesses are apparent: a stalled offense, a fragile defense, and a lackluster fighting spirit.

Is it the system or the players?

Slot wants Liverpool to evolve — moving from intense pressing to controlling possession, dominating the game, and breaking down deep defensive blocks. That’s why over £450 million has been spent on attacking talents like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike. Yet, the team has lost the identity that powered their dominance last season: balance, quick transition ability, and collective strength.

Liverpool now dominates possession more but with less effectiveness. In 11 matches this season, they have conceded two or more goals six times, a worrying indication of vulnerability. Last season, opponents only scored more than once against them after late October.

Whenever a team hits a crisis, the classic question arises: "Is it the tactics or the players?" For Liverpool today, both factors play a role. Several key players have drastically declined: Mohamed Salah frequently misses chances, Gakpo’s performance is lackluster, and Konate and Mac Allister make individual errors.

The Chelsea match clearly shows this: Gakpo scored but lost possession three times, made eight inaccurate passes, had no successful crosses, and lost seven of ten duels. Not only him, Wirtz, Salah, and Conor Bradley also lost all their one-on-one battles, which is very rare for Liverpool in recent years.

Slot once emphasized the importance of "duels" in his coaching philosophy. Now, that strength is fading. When the pressing system loses synchronization and players lose rhythm and stamina, they gradually lose control. Consequently, Liverpool is outplayed easily, loses possession in midfield, and faces constant pressure.

Another factor is Slot’s constant personnel experiments. The right-back spot has become a difficult issue without Trent Alexander-Arnold. On the left, Milos Kerkez is inexperienced, and Andy Robertson is injured. At times, Slot had to move Szoboszlai to right-back and play Gravenberch in central defense.