All it takes is the right 2-4 profiles and we're cooking. Huge amount of potential. We bought Isak/Wirtz for 5-6 years.

That's essentially it. I don't want him on left flank long term. I prefer elite 1v1 pace out there. We're going to need more a robust presence in there in a two. Legs, pace, presemce. progressive passing, etc. I wouldn't be comfortable with any our present two alongside Wirtz over 38 games.

Over the next 2 windows. In the meantime, he's got to find a formation and set up that gets the best out of his players.

I just don't think you can buy Wirtz and Frimpong and look to play 433 or 4231. I'm not blaming Wirtz. He's got the talent. More so the off ball stuff and balance. Szobo then has to play in a two which isn't ideal. You'd need prime Fabinho and Thiago in a two to make it work. Got to rebalance it

Yeah. We won our first five league games. None of them were convincing. It looks to me like we're stuck between two styles. Players are confused about the instructions and set up. Slot does like to embrace different styles tbf. High pressing, mid- low block. He's got to find answers and fast.

Nunez had to go. Diaz wanted out. Jota passed. Trent wanted out. Had to happen, John. It's a two summer rebuild. Slot/Hughes need to rebalance the team with the right profiles and buiid up.

One big red flag for me. We've been pretty poor since PSG away. From the Carabao Cup final onwards. We haven't played well consistently. We've had the odd game here and there. More often than not Liverpool's performance level has been sub standard.

Very impressed with Tuchel. England may have found a fella who can get them over the line. He doesn't do reputations. All merit. Doesn't matter who you play for. If you're in form, you're in.

Yes. The eyes don't lie. Stats and non pen XG can get it the bin. We were outplayed, outfought, and well beaten. All our flaws exposed in brutal fashion.

I'm convinced it's a two summer rebuild. Trent was gargantuan for us in build up. I don't know what the plan was for his departure. I keep saying it. Slot and Hughes has to find the next Fabinho/Mane. Profiles close to them. That right side build up black hole needs addressing, too.

Slot and Hughes need to rebalance the team going forward. I don't think we can win the big silver without better profiles and build up in a few positions. A lot of talent in the squad. I'm hoping this is just short term pain.

True. Not many teams possess City's level of technique. We witnessed that away at PSG. Neves, Vitinha, Kvaratskhelia, and Barcola took us apart. We had no answers. 60k at Anfield roaring you on is a different story. As you said, the next 9 league game are vital for players and manager.

Pep knew Mo doesn't track back & Wirtz routinely comes inside. We're not talking Mane level tracking back. He could afford to overload our M/F with his wide players coming inside. Our full backs aren't following that action. In hindsight a smart & effective tactic. Basically turned LFC to rubble

Good point. Particularly after winning it last year and subsequently what followed (Jota's passing).

Arne won Liverpool's 2nd league title in over 30 years. That counts for something. I have a loyalty to that. I'm also not a head in the sand merchant, and he needs results. Told myself I'd give him & the players more rope than usual after the Jota tragedy, too. Get Top 4 and learn from this season

Being a soft touch away from home is an awful place to be for a team and coach. You're essentially built on sand. You'll never attain consistency. Confidence just erodes. Major 8 game streak coming up for the coach.

It starts from the front. You move in unison. I'm not a of half hearted pressing and retreating into mid blocks. Feels like we're stuck in between two styles.

How i view it. The boxing analogy is apt. That 2 year recruitment drive to attain all 8 players. I haven't seen better. Would have won a lot more if not for 115 charges.

Believe it or not, Kev. I think we miss the dog intensity of Diaz, Nunez, & Jota. Pressing and graft is a big part of the battle

This happened in the Klopp early days. He then began signing some men, gladiators, and leaders right throughout the team. That recruitment drive of Alisson, Matip, VVD, Robbo, Fab, Gini, Mo, and Mane. Incredible

I always love your feedback, Ste. Your absolute disdain for tactic/stat accounts. Never change, pal. I disagree with large sections of their content. Provides debate and discourse.

The Frimpong profile. He's best utilised as a wing back. Alonso knew this and got the best out of both. Pigs dinner atm

We bought the boy without having any plan in how to utilise the player. To benefit the team in and out of possession

Alonso got the best out of him in a 3421 formation. Tremendous freedom. Bayer had that defensive shape and structure when he lost the ball.

Anyone agree with this?

2024*

Cabal* I'll never forget Doku's assault on MacAllister at Anfield in 2025. It was 1-1. We were right in the title mix. Certain penalty not given. I think we genuinely on the wrong side of decisions more than most.

That whole canal of refs yesterday were on the city payroll. Visits to UAE. May still be for all we know.

Not one for conspiracy theories.

Paul Tomkins has done great research on officials. Especially when refereeing Liverpool games. Long before the Coote stories broke, he had him down as anti Liverpool. Oliver is on the list, too.

We're far too passive. Particularly away from home. Soft underbelly. That's on Slot. That 1st half yesterday was an embarrassing disgrace.