Liverpool's Early Season Struggles Spark Questions of Accountability

Jakarta – Liverpool’s underwhelming start to the 2025/26 Premier League season has ignited a wave of scrutiny, with the club’s on-field performances falling far short of expectations for the reigning champions. The Merseyside club’s current form has prompted questions about accountability, with club legend Jamie Carragher voicing concerns over the team’s recruitment strategy and adaptability to the evolving landscape of the Premier League.

Liverpool have already suffered five league defeats this season, surpassing their total of four losses throughout the entirety of the previous campaign. This represents a significant downturn in form for a team that dominated English football just a year ago. As of the latest standings, Liverpool occupy eighth place in the Premier League table, accumulating 18 points from their opening 11 fixtures. While they remain within striking distance of the top four, the congested nature of the league table means they are also vulnerable to being overtaken by several teams below them.

Adding to their woes, Liverpool recently suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, resulting in their elimination from the competition. This unexpected loss has further amplified the pressure on manager Arne Slot and his squad.

Carragher, a former Liverpool defender who made 737 appearances for the club, has expressed his bewilderment at the team’s early season struggles. In an interview with Sky Sports, Carragher pointed to the club’s transfer dealings as a potential source of the problem.

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"The responsibility has to fall on the people in charge of recruitment," Carragher stated. "Arne Slot wants his team to be more exciting and entertaining, but the reality is that they are currently not delivering on that front."

Liverpool’s recent acquisitions, including Isak, Ekitike, and Wirtz, have yet to make the desired impact. Isak, who arrived with a record-breaking transfer fee, has been plagued by injuries, limiting his contribution to the team. Wirtz, who impressed with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, has struggled to replicate his form in the Premier League, failing to register a single goal or assist in his 11 appearances. Ekitike has shown glimpses of promise, but his performances have been inconsistent.

The summer transfer window saw Liverpool invest heavily in bolstering their squad, with the aim of strengthening their title defence. However, the integration of new players has proven to be a challenge, and the team has struggled to find the same cohesion and fluidity that characterized their championship-winning season.

In addition to concerns about player recruitment, Carragher also highlighted the increasing competitiveness of the Premier League and the evolving tactical approaches employed by other teams.

"Teams are becoming more physically robust, and many are focusing on set-pieces, whether it’s corners or throw-ins," Carragher observed. "Liverpool have fallen behind in this aspect; they don’t seem to fully understand how the game has changed."

Liverpool’s struggles with defending set-pieces have been a recurring theme this season, with several goals conceded from corners and free-kicks. This vulnerability has exposed a weakness in their defensive structure and has contributed to their inability to maintain clean sheets.

The tactical landscape of the Premier League has indeed undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Teams are now placing greater emphasis on physicality, tactical flexibility, and set-piece routines. Managers are increasingly employing innovative strategies to gain an edge over their opponents, leading to a more competitive and unpredictable league.

Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures will provide a stern test of their ability to turn their season around. They face a series of challenging encounters against top-ranked teams, including Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal. These matches will be crucial in determining whether Liverpool can regain their form and mount a serious challenge for a Champions League spot.

The team’s statistical performance this season paints a mixed picture. While they have maintained a high level of possession in most of their matches, they have struggled to convert their dominance into goals. Their shot conversion rate has declined compared to last season, indicating a lack of clinical finishing in front of goal.

Defensively, Liverpool have also been less solid than in previous campaigns. They have conceded more goals per game, and their tackling success rate has decreased. This suggests that their defensive organization and individual performances have not been up to par.

The form of key players such as Mohamed Salah has also come under scrutiny. While Salah remains a potent goal-scoring threat, his overall contribution to the team has been less consistent this season. He has missed several clear-cut chances, and his link-up play with his teammates has not been as seamless as in previous years.

The pressure on manager Arne Slot is mounting, and he will need to find solutions quickly to address the team’s shortcomings. He may consider making tactical adjustments, experimenting with different formations, and giving opportunities to younger players in the squad.

Liverpool’s ownership group, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), will also be closely monitoring the situation. They have invested heavily in the team in recent years, and they will expect to see a return on their investment. FSG may consider making further investments in the transfer market in January to strengthen the squad and address any glaring weaknesses.

The club’s supporters have also voiced their concerns about the team’s performances. They have expressed their frustration on social media and at matches, demanding improvements from the players and management. The atmosphere at Anfield has become increasingly tense, and the team will need to win back the trust and support of their loyal fans.

Liverpool’s current predicament highlights the challenges faced by even the most successful teams in maintaining their dominance in a highly competitive league. The Premier League is a relentless environment, where teams must constantly evolve and adapt to stay ahead of the curve. Liverpool’s early season struggles serve as a reminder that complacency can be a costly mistake, and that constant improvement is essential for sustained success.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Liverpool can overcome their current challenges and salvage their season. The team will need to rediscover their form, address their weaknesses, and demonstrate the same resilience and determination that characterized their championship-winning campaign. Only then can they hope to regain their place among the Premier League’s elite.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo: Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.