You know that sinking feeling when you refresh the table on a Tuesday morning and it just… doesn’t look right. For Liverpool fans, the 2025/26 season has felt like a slow-motion car crash since the opening weekend. After the high of the previous campaign under Arne Slot, this season has been a brutal wake-up call. Let’s break down exactly what went wrong and, more importantly, how we fix it.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Where Did It All Fall Apart?
The first place to look is the cold, hard data. Liverpool’s underlying metrics have taken a noticeable dip. While the eye test might show moments of promise, the stats tell a story of systemic issues.
| Key Metric | Previous Season | Current Season | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 2.32 | 1.45 | -0.87 |
| Goals scored per match | 2.1 | 1.4 | -0.7 |
| Goals conceded per match | 0.8 | 1.6 | +0.8 |
| Expected Goals (xG) per match | 1.9 | 1.5 | -0.4 |
| Expected Goals Against (xGA) per match | 0.9 | 1.5 | +0.6 |
The defensive regression is the most alarming number. Going from conceding less than a goal per game to nearly two is not a blip—it’s a structural problem. The high line that worked so well under Slot last season has been exposed repeatedly, and the midfield protection has evaporated.
The Transfer Window That Backfired
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the summer 2025 transfer window. On paper, signing Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez looked like a masterstroke. In reality, it created a squad imbalance that has haunted Slot all season.
The biggest issue? Selling key defensive midfielders to fund those attacking signings. Without a natural destroyer in midfield, the back four has been left exposed. Virgil van Dijk has looked his age at times, forced to cover too much ground without proper screening.
What went wrong with each signing:
- Alexander Isak: Brilliant finisher, but isolated without service. The system doesn't suit a poacher.
- Florian Wirtz: Struggled with the physicality of the Premier League. Needs time, but time is a luxury in a crisis.
- Jeremie Frimpong: Excellent going forward, but defensively suspect. The right side has become a highway for opposition wingers.
- Milos Kerkez: Solid, but not the upgrade fans expected. Still adjusting to the tactical demands.
Tactical Breakdown: The Slot System Under Scrutiny
Arne Slot’s possession-based system worked wonders when Liverpool had a settled midfield. Now? It looks predictable. Teams have figured out how to press Liverpool’s build-up, forcing errors in dangerous areas. The lack of a reliable plan B has been exposed, especially against low blocks.
Common tactical issues this season:
- Slow tempo in possession, allowing defenses to reset
- Over-reliance on Mohamed Salah for creativity (his form has dipped too)
- Full-backs caught high up the pitch with no cover
- Inability to break down compact defenses without a creative midfielder dropping deep
Injury Crisis: The Unseen Factor
You can’t talk about this season without mentioning the injury list. Alisson Becker missed significant time with a hamstring issue, and the backup options haven’t inspired confidence. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been in and out of the lineup, disrupting the rhythm of the right flank.
Check the latest injury updates to see who’s currently sidelined.
What Needs to Change?
This isn’t a season to write off entirely—there’s still time to salvage something. But the fixes need to start now.
Step 1: Rebalance the midfield. Liverpool needs a defensive midfielder who can sit, screen the back four, and allow the attackers to roam. This should be the priority in the January window.
Step 2: Simplify the tactics. Slot needs to adapt. A more direct approach, using Isak’s pace in behind, could unlock defenses that have figured out the possession game.
Step 3: Rotate the squad better. Too many players look burned out. The summer signings need minutes to adapt, but they also need to earn their place. There’s no room for sentiment.
Step 4: Fix the set-piece defending. Liverpool has conceded far too many goals from dead-ball situations. This is a coaching issue that can be fixed quickly.
When Does This Become a Crisis?
If Liverpool drops points in the next three league games, the conversation shifts from “what went wrong” to “is this a reset season?” The board needs to decide whether to back Slot with more funds in January or accept that 2025/26 is a transition year.
For more on the summer window that started this, check our full analysis of the Liverpool Summer Transfer Window 2025.
The Fan’s Perspective: What Can You Do?
As supporters, we can’t change the tactics or sign players. But we can stay informed and keep perspective. This is the same club that bounced back from mid-table finishes to win the Champions League. The same club that rebuilt under Klopp after a difficult start.
What to watch for in the coming weeks:
- Slot’s team selection against the next bottom-half opponent
- Any signs of tactical adjustment in the first 15 minutes
- How the new signings react to pressure from the stands
- Whether the board makes any public statements about January plans
Final Verdict: Fixable or Fundamental?
Here’s the honest take: this season is fixable, but it requires humility from everyone involved. Slot needs to adapt. The players need to take responsibility. The board needs to admit the summer window didn’t work and be ready to act.
If Liverpool can stabilize defensively and find a midfield balance, there’s still a path to a strong finish. If not… well, we’ve been here before. The club has a habit of proving people wrong.
What’s your take? Are you backing Slot to turn it around, or do you think this squad needs a bigger overhaul? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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