By Kaveh Ferro, Year 12
When Liverpool won the 2024/25 Premier League Championship last season, it felt like the
beginning of a new era, sealing the title by the end of April with a few games left. But just
months later, cracks are appearing at Anfield, and the Reds are currently sitting in a
concerning 11th place.
Liverpool began the season with a loss in the FA Community Shield Final, but bounced back
perfectly with 7 consecutive wins following that defeat. Recently, however, the trend seems
to have reversed. Out of their last ten games, the reigning champions have lost seven,
including three heavy 3-0 defeats from Crystal Palace, Manchester City, and just this
weekend, Nottingham Forest. These results have left fans and analysts questioning
Liverpool’s fate.
Their start to the season was marked by intensity with an electric crowd, which has faded
away as performances declined and confidence within the team dropped. What once was a
fearless atmosphere, Anfield has now become one defined by unsettlement and tension.
Liverpool has been experiencing tactical inconsistencies and structural issues. Liverpool had
established a “gegenpressing” style under Jürgen Klopp, which now seems to be
fragmented. Opponents are easily able to find passes between players, who then pressure
the Red’s recent vulnerable defense, which wasn’t the case last season.
In attack, fluidity between the players has dipped. Sharpness in both the timing and finishing
has become inconsistent. Combinations, which once appeared instinctive, are now often
disjointed and forced. In their last five games, Liverpool has only managed to score three. An
alarming goal drought for a team that won the Premier League last season.
The combination of a lack of connection upfront and a fragile defense has left Liverpool
struggling on both sides of the pitch. The team is conceding goals that, previously, were
unlikely, while simultaneously missing goal-scoring chances. This inefficiency has made
Liverpool’s home and away games are a tense event to watch, where games are decided by
avoidable errors.
The players’ individual and collective confidence has been hit, and should be seen as a
warning. Consecutive losses have created a psychological burden within the changing
rooms. Nevertheless, the club and the fans continue to place confidence in Arne Slot, the
head coach, and his players. Despite the current tumble, there is a belief in the squad’s
capabilities to reverse the course of the season. Many remain optimistic, even if the Premier
League seems out of reach, to be victorious and potentially win the Champions League.
For Liverpool and Anfield, this has now become a test of determination and character – will
The Reds rebound and arise, or will they sink deeper?
