Liverpool’s Struggles: A Historic Title Defense in Jeopardy

Liverpool Football Club has invested £450 million in new signings this summer, aiming to solidify their dominance in English football following their 20th league championship victory last season. However, after 12 games into their tumultuous title defense, Arne Slot’s squad is on track to become the worst defending champions in Premier League history.

Initially praised as the ideal successor to Jürgen Klopp, Slot has faced an entirely different set of challenges this season. The 47-year-old manager is struggling, with his team on the verge of setting a negative record for consecutive losses.

Key player Mohamed Salah has lost his scoring touch, while significant summer acquisitions Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, both exceeding £100 million in transfer fees, have failed to deliver results. Additionally, Ibrahima Konaté has epitomized the team’s defensive issues, resulting in more goals conceded than scored.

The team’s once invincible reputation has been severely compromised, even at their home ground, Anfield. The recent 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest marked the first time Liverpool has suffered consecutive league losses by three goals since 1965. This grim streak has seen them lose six out of their last seven league matches, plummeting from the top of the table to 11th place since September 27.

Only José Mourinho’s Chelsea, who had a similarly poor start to their title defense in the 2014-15 season, have faced such difficulties, with seven losses in their first 12 matches. That dismal performance ultimately led to Mourinho’s dismissal just months after winning the title.

In Premier League history, only Blackburn Rovers (1994-95) and Leicester City (2015-16) have endured as many defeats as Liverpool in their initial matches as defending champions. Blackburn managed to recover and finish seventh, while Leicester, after dismissing their title-winning coach Claudio Ranieri, ended the season in 12th place, the lowest finish for a defending champion.

As Liverpool navigates these challenges, the question arises: Are they heading for a disappointing finish akin to Leicester’s, or can Slot reverse the slide and guide the team back towards success?

Despite the current turmoil, there are signs that Liverpool may still emerge from their losing streak and secure a top-four finish. However, if football were that straightforward, teams like Chelsea, Blackburn, and Leicester would not have faced such rapid declines. The pressure on Slot to rectify the situation is palpable.

“There is definitely a way out, especially with the quality players we possess,” Slot stated after the defeat against Forest. “I take full responsibility for our current losses. As a manager, accountability comes with both wins and losses. My excuses for these outcomes are far from satisfactory.”

Captain Virgil van Dijk offered a more candid critique of the team’s performance, asserting that players must also share the blame. “As champions, we cannot accept this situation, but it is our reality. We must strive to turn it around, and everyone must take responsibility. I question whether all are doing their part.”

Slot faces numerous challenges, and determining where to begin is crucial, as some issues appear without clear solutions. Konaté’s drop in form has been detrimental, and with the failure to secure Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi on deadline day, the team is feeling the repercussions. Additionally, Giovanni Leoni, an 18-year-old backup defender signed from Parma, is sidelined due to a cruciate ligament injury.

Slot has also been slow to recognize that Milos Kerkez may not be ready to adequately replace Andy Robertson at left-back. Meanwhile, the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who transferred to Real Madrid, is increasingly apparent, with the team often resorting to deploying midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai in his place.

The inconsistency in defense has placed undue pressure on the midfield, particularly with Wirtz’s lack of contribution in the league. He has yet to register a goal or assist in 11 Premier League appearances, although he has two assists in four Champions League matches. Opponents have begun to exploit his vulnerabilities as they adapt to his playing style.

The offensive line, despite its depth of talent, is faltering. Isak has yet to score in the league since his transfer from Newcastle, and frustrations among supporters are mounting. Salah, last season’s Footballer of the Year, appears to be underperforming, seemingly contemplating a move away rather than committing to his new two-year contract. Similarly, Hugo Ekitike, initially seen as a promising addition, has only netted once in nine appearances, with no league goals in over two months.

With Salah set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations next month, there may be a potential opportunity for Slot to field Isak, Wirtz, and Ekitike together, yet none have shown signs of rising to the occasion.

Ultimately, it falls to Slot to guide the team out of this predicament and ensure that Liverpool does not conclude the season as the worst defending champions in Premier League history.