Liverpool’s Challenge: Tackling Domestic Inconsistencies Amid European Aspirations

Liverpool achieved Premier League title success last season, effectively dispelling doubts regarding Slot’s ability to fill the gap left by Jurgen Klopp’s departure.

In the summer of 2025, substantial funds were allocated to forge a new dynasty at Merseyside. However, the anticipated returns on this record-setting investment have been minimal, with players like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz failing to deliver the expected impact. Consequently, the reigning champions now find themselves engaged in a fierce battle for a top-four finish.

In the Champions League, Liverpool continues to chase continental glory, having secured a decisive 3-0 victory against Marseille in their latest European match. Nonetheless, concerns persist regarding their performance in domestic competitions.

Marseille’s strategy allowed Liverpool to exploit space, as Roberto De Zerbi’s attacking philosophy contrasted with the defensive tactics employed by Burnley, which led to a disappointing 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened opposition. Slot elaborated to TNT Sports on the disparities between these two types of matches: “Our inconsistency, if you wish to label 13 unbeaten games as such, is primarily linked to our struggles against teams that deploy low-block defenses.

“I understand very well why we haven’t been consistent; this mainly relates to the nature of an open game where tactics come into play, allowing players to maneuver effectively. This scenario is entirely different from confronting a low block where you possess the ball significantly. The challenge of facing a low block is incomparable to a match like tonight, where both teams engaged in a strategy of building from the back and pressing each other. We have generally excelled in these types of matches this season, despite losses to Manchester City and Chelsea, having secured positive results in many others.”

Former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard, however, remains unconvinced by Slot’s reasoning. He reminded the head coach that addressing these challenges is part of his role. He stated to TNT Sports: “I’m genuinely pleased for him. The pressure he’s under can’t be easy. His tactics were effective tonight, warranting praise and credit.

“However, he must refrain from continuously referencing low blocks. This tactic has been a fixture for Liverpool since my playing days, and it has persisted long before that. Teams will persist in trying to neutralize our threat. The key lies in devising solutions. Liverpool possesses talented players; they must transform these low-block encounters into victories instead of draws. This challenge will remain, especially as they prepare to face a low block against Bournemouth this weekend. They must be ruthless, and the key players need to rise to the occasion and score crucial goals.”

As noted by Slot, Liverpool is currently on a 13-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, a run that began following a 3-1 defeat to Dutch giants PSV on November 26. Despite this streak, their performances have lacked convincing assurance.

The team finds itself under pressure in the race for Champions League qualification, sitting just one point ahead of their historic rivals Manchester United, who occupy fifth place. With the competition tightening, securing a positive result in their upcoming match against Bournemouth is essential.