Challenges and Expectations: Liverpool’s Current Struggles Under Manager Slot

Tom Werner attended the recent match on Saturday, which undoubtedly heightened his awareness of the critical situation surrounding Liverpool Football Club.

The American chairman likely hoped to witness a resurgence of the Reds, particularly with the involvement of their £125 million ($165 million) signing, Alexander Isak, who was unexpectedly chosen to lead the attack over Hugo Ekitike. Instead, Werner witnessed a dismal performance, which captain Virgil van Dijk later described as a collective “mess.”

Isak’s performance was alarmingly inadequate, leading some fans to yearn for Darwin Nunez, who, despite being a wasteful finisher, consistently creates opportunities. In stark contrast, Isak’s contribution was minimal; he touched the ball only 14 times before being substituted after 68 minutes of uninspired play.

There is little sympathy for the Swedish striker, who is paying a steep price for arriving at Anfield in subpar physical condition. This unfortunate situation raises questions about Coach Slot’s decision to start him in such a state.

Isak was expected to have played at least two matches for Sweden during the international break but only made a brief appearance against Switzerland. He was not used in the subsequent match against Slovenia, as new coach Graham Potter aimed to avoid the risk of a booking that could sideline Isak for the crucial World Cup play-off in March. Thus, the choice to select the out-of-form Isak over a fit Ekitike, who recently scored his first goal for France, remains perplexing.

Slot addressed this prior to the match, explaining that Liverpool’s desire to accelerate Isak’s return to full fitness led them to prioritize his game time, even at the expense of other players who may be more deserving. “This morning I had a conversation with the performance staff about what is the best way for Alex – not for Liverpool – to get him as fast as we can to 100 percent,” Slot stated.

Liverpool’s pressing need for Isak to begin delivering returns on their significant investment is understandable. However, employing him when he is evidently unable to contribute only exacerbates the team’s current difficulties.

The implications of this decision extend beyond Isak himself. Ekitike’s frustration must have been palpable upon learning he would be replaced by an ineffective Isak. Similarly, Joe Gomez likely felt aggrieved as well. With injury-riddled players Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong unavailable, Gomez’s versatility would have made him a logical choice for right-back, permitting Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool’s standout performer this season, to operate in his preferred midfield role.

Yet, in an unexpected twist, Szoboszlai was again deployed in defense while Gomez remained on the bench. Consequently, Gomez’s Premier League playing time this season amounts to a mere 43 minutes across four matches, a staggering statistic given Ibrahima Konate’s inconsistent performances.

Slot hinted at Gomez’s ongoing fitness struggles, noting that he has only completed 90 minutes in two matches this entire year. “If we want to keep him available longer, it may be a risk to play him seven times in 22 days,” he added.

However, the core issue remains: Gomez’s lack of playing time raises questions about his capability to endure the demands of Premier League football or whether Slot simply does not regard him as a better option than the increasingly error-prone Konate, who inadvertently contributed to Nottingham Forest’s opening goal with a careless touch under minimal pressure.

The situation is further compounded by Liverpool’s alarming vulnerability to set pieces this season, having conceded nine goals from such situations, equaling their entire tally from last season. While statistically, Van Dijk remains a dominant aerial presence, and Konate ranks among the top for headers won per game, the team often displays a lethargic response to set pieces, reflecting a lack of confidence among the players and supporters alike.

“I don’t think there is nervousness before a set-piece [among the players],” a visibly frustrated Van Dijk stated after the match. “We cleared the ones before [Murillo’s goal]. I think overall we were just not good in terms of the battles, the challenges, the second-ball fight.”

The team’s struggles have allowed opponents to exploit Liverpool’s defensive frailties with ease, and Slot has openly admitted that he has yet to devise a strategy to counteract this simplistic yet effective tactic. Immediate action is essential.

Those who doubted Liverpool’s title defense after the defeat at the Etihad are now more convinced than ever. The Champions League has become the sole focus for the current campaign, and promisingly, Slot’s squad appears more suited to continental competition, positioning them reasonably well to advance to the knockout stage.

Liverpool’s improved prospects in the Champions League help safeguard Slot’s position despite the team’s failing domestic form. His success in last season’s title triumph also plays a crucial role in his continued tenure.

Critics like Rio Ferdinand may argue that Slot should face the same scrutiny as Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, but their situations are vastly different. Slot achieved a title in his first year at Anfield while Amorim has led United to their worst-ever Premier League finish.

However, it is indisputable that Slot is under pressure. After significant investment in the summer, the poor performance of his team, despite injuries, is concerning. The players appear not only lost but also lacking the fighting spirit that characterized their previous successes.

The manner in which Nico Williams easily bypassed Alexis Mac Allister leading up to Nottingham Forest’s second goal was alarming, highlighting Liverpool’s ongoing struggles in duels across the pitch.

As Andy Robertson poignantly emphasized following Scotland’s World Cup qualification, the weight of Diogo Jota’s passing may be affecting his teammates profoundly. Van Dijk acknowledged before Liverpool’s rapid decline that this season would be challenging for a squad in transition and still grieving.

Nevertheless, the captain has recognized that the players are letting both themselves and their manager down. Although stars like Mohamed Salah are searching for form, the overall decline in work rate is particularly troubling and detrimental.

“You look at yourself first and then you help each other,” Van Dijk noted. “You help each other get out of this mess because at the moment it is a mess – that’s just a fact.”

In a results-driven business like football, if Slot cannot reverse the team’s decline and jeopardize their Champions League qualification, his position will be in jeopardy. Financial considerations ultimately rest with the manager.

We have not yet reached a point of no return. Speculation about potential replacements is circulating, but there remains an opportunity for Slot to salvage the season with improved results and performances before the year concludes.

Unity is imperative moving forward, as evidenced by the waning faith among supporters. Now, more than ever since Slot’s first season, Liverpool’s ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ mantra is being put to the test.