A Week to Forget, a Summer to Define: Liverpool’s Lessons from a Tough Seven Days

Two defeats, exposed weaknesses, and a summer of big decisions ahead. Arne Slot’s side have been outmuscled and outthought in back-to-back defeats, raising serious questions about their midfield, contract situations, and tactical approach.

March 17, 2025
8:59 pm

Liverpool’s invincible vibe took a hit this week. They got outplayed by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and outmuscled by Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final, showing some cracks at a time when their Premier League dominance might have hidden them. Arne Slot, seen as the guy to lead a new era at Anfield, just got a harsh wake-up call. If Liverpool wants to stay on top, this summer’s transfer window is super important.

Klopp’s Blueprint, Slot’s Challenge

The Dutchman took over a squad shaped by Jürgen Klopp, built for his high-energy style. Slot’s tweaks have added some flair, but the team is mostly the same, with only Federico Chiesa joining in the last two windows. Chiesa’s goal at Wembley was his first big moment, reminding us that fitting into this Liverpool squad takes time.

But time isn’t something you have in elite football. The chatter about Liverpool’s long-term plans is getting louder as three key players still haven’t signed new contracts. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah are all in limbo, and that’s leaving room for speculation.

Alexander-Arnold is the heart of this Liverpool team, a player who could shape the next decade at Anfield. Van Dijk is a rock at the back, and Salah keeps scoring like it’s nothing. Slot would love to keep all three, but age and money are real factors. By next season, Van Dijk will be 34 and Salah 33. Still, both are at the top of their game – Van Dijk feels fit as ever, and Salah’s 27 goals and 17 assists in 29 league games show he’s still brilliant.

Gone are the days when players in their mid-30s were thinking about coaching or running a pub. Today’s game rewards those who take care of their bodies. But will Liverpool’s management be ready to keep investing in players who have already given so much?

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Where Slot Must Strengthen

Giorgi Mamardashvili’s arrival this summer will help the goalkeeping department, but that’s not where Liverpool’s biggest issues are. They’ve been lacking aggression and physicality in midfield, which has been exploited in recent losses. PSG and Newcastle overpowered Liverpool in the midfield, with Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister looking tired from the start at Wembley. Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton controlled the game, winning duels and setting the pace.

Gravenberch, who’s been a regular starter under Slot, has had a heavy load after two years of limited play. His move to a deeper midfield role has been promising but also highlighted the lack of depth there. Wataru Endo, a smart player, hasn’t started a league game under Slot and seems likely to leave. If Liverpool wants to grow, they need a strong, ball-playing No. 6 at the top of their shopping list.

For much of the season, Liverpool has controlled games their way. When they do, they look unstoppable. But when they lose that control, they struggle to regain it. Slot has noticed this, especially against Newcastle, who turned the Carabao Cup final into a tough battle. “We lose that game nine times out of ten if it’s played like that,” he said after the match. The challenge now is to make sure Liverpool can compete in different styles because just having possession isn’t enough.

Salah and the Supply Issue

Some critics have pointed fingers at Salah for not performing well in recent losses, but a closer look tells a different story. His impact has been limited by a midfield that can’t get him the ball in good spots. When he did get it, space was tight, with defenders doubling up and blocking his usual paths to goal.

Slot has made some subtle changes to Liverpool’s tactics, but this summer will let him put his own stamp on the team. He prefers facing teams that sit back, where Liverpool can control the game and break them down. But as recent losses have shown, the Premier League doesn’t offer that kind of comfort. They need to bring back more physicality in midfield to make sure they can handle all styles of play.

Lessons, Not Excuses

One bright spot in the gloom was Curtis Jones’ cameo against Newcastle. The young midfielder brought energy and dynamism that Liverpool desperately needed, but his entry came too late to change the game. It reminded us that the midfield sets the tone; when it’s off, everything else suffers.

Liverpool should use these losses as motivation, not frustration. A bump in an otherwise great season won’t define them, but it could shape what’s next. Slot has the vision, but he needs the right resources to mold Liverpool in his style. If the right moves are made this summer, this past week could be seen as a turning point, not a warning sign.