When Arne Slot, head coach of Liverpool Football Club walked off the pitch at Anfield on October 19, 2025, the 2‑1 defeat to Manchester United felt less like a single loss and more like a fork in the road for a champion side that had just endured four straight setbacks – a slump not seen since Brendan Rodgers’ era in 2014. The Dutch manager now juggles a revolving door of full‑backs, a possible benching of the ever‑present Mohamed Salah, and the looming question of who will finally replace the departed goal‑scorer in the number 9 role.
Recent form and the United defeat
The loss at Anfield was more than a three‑point slip; it was a wake‑up call before a packed fortnight of fixtures. On Wednesday, October 22, Liverpool travel to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, and three days later they host Brentford in the Premier League. Both games test the squad’s depth and the manager’s tactical flexibility.
Summer turnover: £300 million in new faces
Slot’s first transfer window was a financial whirlwind. The club splashed roughly £300 million on six marquee arrivals: Dutch‑born right‑back Jeremie Frimpong (£29 m), German attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz (£116 m), Hungarian full‑back Milos Kerkez (£40 m), Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister (undisclosed fee), goalkeeper Freddie Woodman on a free, and French striker Hugo Ekitike (£79 m). In addition, Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili arrived for £29 m.
Out the door went striker Darwin Núñez (£85 m to Al‑Hilal), winger Luis Díaz (£70 m to Bayern Munich) and young defender Jarell Quansah (£35 m to Bayer Leverkusen). The club also mourned the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota in July, leaving a noticeable void up front.
The full‑back conundrum
Slot’s biggest headache right now is choosing two players out of a five‑strong pool. Conor Bradley offers youth and stamina, while Jeremie Frimpong brings blistering pace. Milos Kerkez has shown composure in the back‑line, but veteran Andy Robertson still commands respect with his leadership. Then there’s the seasoned Greek Kostas Tsimikas, who provides a reliable, if less dynamic, option. The choice will hinge on the opponent’s style – faster wingers demand a quicker defender, while a more physical side rewards experience.
Midfield, attack and the search for a No. 9
Slot could finally start Florian Wirtz alongside Alexis Mac Allister if he wants a more creative midfield. But doing so may sacrifice the defensive stability that Jordan Henderson (if still at the club) traditionally offers.
The real headline, however, is the unanswered striker slot. After Jota’s death and Núñez’s departure, many fans expected Luis Suárez to stay, but he left for a lower‑profile move earlier this season. Liverpool’s £110 million bid for Alexander Isak from Newcastle United was turned down, leaving the club to either increase the offer before the August 30 deadline or turn to alternative targets like Cody Gakpo or even a loan deal.
Meanwhile, the question of whether to bench the 33‑year‑old Egyptian legend Mohamed Salah at all lingers. Slot’s coaching philosophy favors “playing the man, not the number,” yet dropping a player who contributed 18 league goals last season could unsettle the dressing room. The coaching staff reportedly ran a scenario where Salah starts on the bench against Brentford, allowing Cody Gakpo to lead the line – a gamble that could pay off if the Dutch‑German partnership of Wirtz and Mac Allister clicks.
Upcoming fixtures and what’s at stake
- Oct 22, 2025 – Champions League: Liverpool vs. Eintracht Frankfurt at the Volksbank Arena. A win keeps the group‑stage hopes alive.
- Oct 25, 2025 – Premier League: Liverpool host Brentford at Anfield. A three‑point swing could lift Liverpool out of the bottom half.
- Nov 1, 2025 – Domestic Cup: Potential clash with Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round.
Each game forces Slot to balance rotation with the need for points. The pressure is amplified by the historic chance to become the first English club to win back‑to‑back Premier League titles in the competition’s 30‑year modern era.
What the pundits are saying
Sky Sports’ senior analyst Richiereds1976 described the situation as "tricky‑looking trips" and urged Slot to lock in a clear hierarchy for the full‑backs before the Frankfurt game. Former Liverpool captain Jordan Hunt told The Athletic that "the anxiety in the locker room is real, but Slot’s calm approach could be the catalyst they need." Meanwhile, German football magazine Kicker praised the acquisition of Wirtz, calling his £116 m price tag "a statement of intent that must be matched on the pitch."
Looking ahead: possible scenarios
If Slot opts for a high‑pressing 4‑3‑3 with Wirtz, Mac Allister, and Gakpo, the team could regain its attacking fluency but risk being vulnerable against Frankfurt’s counter‑attack. Conversely, a more conservative 4‑2‑3‑1, keeping Salah as the focal point, may grind out draws but fail to attract the "style and creativity" Slot promised in his July motivational video at the AXA Training Centre.
One thing is clear: the next few weeks will define whether Slot’s bold recruitment spree translates into silverware or further disappointment. Fans, investors, and the wider football world will be watching every selection decision like a high‑stakes chess match.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the full‑back options affect Liverpool’s defensive stability?
Choosing a younger, speed‑oriented pair like Bradley and Frimpong could improve Liverpool’s ability to neutralise opposing wingers, but it may also expose the back‑line to errors against physical forwards. Opting for veteran Robertson with Kerkez offers experience and composure, keeping the defence tighter during set‑pieces and in high‑pressure moments.
What are the realistic chances of signing Alexander Isak before the deadline?
Newcastle’s initial rejection suggests they value Isak highly, but a revised offer with performance‑based add‑ons could sway the club. If Liverpool fails to secure him, they will likely rely on Gakpo and a possible loan from a Serie A side to fill the No. 9 void.
Will Mohamed Salah be omitted from the starting XI against Brentford?
Slot has reportedly prepared a contingency plan that benches Salah for the Brentford match, giving Gakpo a chance to lead the attack. The decision hinges on Wirtz’s integration and the need to keep Salah fresh for the upcoming Champions League tie.
How crucial is the October 22 Champions League fixture for Liverpool’s season?
The Frankfurt game is a make‑or‑break moment; a loss would likely see Liverpool finish third or fourth in the group, jeopardising their path to the knockout stages and the associated financial windfall.
What does the selection dilemma mean for Liverpool’s title defence?
Inconsistent line‑ups risk dropping points against teams like Brentford, eroding the cushion Liverpool built early in the campaign. A settled eleven that balances flair with defensive solidity could keep the club on track for a historic back‑to‑back title.