FourFourTwo’s in-depth Liverpool Season Outlook is available: Following a season where minimal expectations resulted in a title triumph, how will Arne Slot handle the burden of being favorites?
FourFourTwo’s Liverpool Season Preview
FFT’s View
The Plan
Liverpool’s strategies have been significantly impacted by the unfortunate passing of Diogo Jota, at the age of 28. The Reds’ No.20 was intended to be a vital element in the pursuit of title No.21 – the club now aspires to achieve this goal in his honor, securing consecutive league titles for the first time since 1984 and regaining their prominent position ahead of Manchester United.
LAST SEASON
LAST SEASON
PREMIER LEAGUE Winners
FA CUP Fourth Round
LEAGUE CUP Runners-up
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Last 16
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS) Mohamed Salah (34)
With the addition of two new full-backs, and Florian Wirtz bolstering the attack, the objective is to compensate for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s creative influence through a collective effort. More speed, greater attacking power. Supporters are also hopeful for a seventh European Cup – the Hungarian pair of Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez will undoubtedly harbor aspirations of succeeding in this season’s final, which is to be staged in Budapest.
The Coach
Arne Slot’s reserved demeanor resonated positively with both the fanbase and the squad during his opening season. Replacing Jurgen Klopp wasn’t anticipated to be straightforward, but the Dutch manager, positioned at no.2 in FourFourTwo’s compilation of the leading managers globally at present, executed it with such ease that he could vacation in Ibiza between fixtures, given the early title victory. He’s being hailed as the new Bob Paisley, according to supporters…
Key Player
Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah reaffirmed their significance, securing renewed contracts, while Alisson and Alexis Mac Allister are pivotal to the Reds’ core. Nevertheless, Florian Wirtz’s creative abilities will hold paramount importance in his inaugural Premier League campaign, providing an element of unpredictability.
Lesson From Last Year
Avoid pursuing the top spot during the league stage of the Champions League. Securing victories in their initial seven matches only resulted in Liverpool facing eventual champions PSG in the last-16, prompting Slot to declare a reevaluation of his strategy.
FFT’S SEASON PREVIEW
This preview originally appeared in FourFourTwo’s Season Preview issue which went on sale in July, available here with free delivery
Having a squad he trusts will mean he can save legs in Europe earlier, because only 14 players made 20 or more starts in all competitions last term. Every forward dropped off after the turn of the year, not just Mo Salah, with his 37 goal involvements before January and (a still-respectable) 20 thereafter. Continuity was key in 2024-25 – the disappointing Federico Chiesa was the only new player to start a match – but now Slot must evolve the team that Jurgen built.
The Mood
Solemn, following the loss of Jota. Players and supporters will be eager to honor the Portuguese forward throughout the campaign. Anticipate hearing the chant, “He wears the number 20” frequently at each game this season. It will be emotionally charged.
One To Watch
Rio Ngumoha, recruited from Chelsea at the age of 16 last summer, became the youngest player in Liverpool’s history to be named in the starting lineup. Following that debut in the FA Cup, the thrilling winger is projected to participate in domestic cup ties and European matches. Furthermore, keep an eye on the consistent Alexis Mac Allister, who secured 2.34 points per game last term.
Most Likely To
Achieve victory at Bramley-Moore – or rather, ‘the Hill Dickinson Stadium’. Liverpool only managed to win two of their most recent 13 league encounters at Goodison; they cannot carry that trend over to Everton’s new ground.
Least Likely To
Conclude the season in 15th position. Since their promotion to the top division in 1962, Liverpool has consistently finished within the top eight. Slot is the seventh Reds manager post-World War II to secure the league title; in contrast, United has only achieved this under Sir Matt Busby and Alex Ferguson.
FFT Verdict
1ST It might not conclude as swiftly as it did in February previously, but the combination of continuity and exceptional talent forms a perfect formula for the Reds.
The Number Cruncher
The Fan View
Can Liverpool create another dominant period reminiscent of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City? FourFourTwo consulted with Jack Lusby to gather insights from the perspective of the supporters
Last season was exceptional, securing the league title comfortably.
This season will be different because we will constantly chant Diogo Jota’s song. Title 21 for our No.20, please.
The major talking point is the players’ response to Jota’s unfortunate demise.
Our key player will be the new central figure, Florian Wirtz.
Our most underrated player is midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
The pantomime villain will be Trent Alexander-Arnold. We will be vigilant.
Fans believe our owners are generally handling matters well. Despite previous criticism directed at FSG, developments appear to be progressing positively.
The aspect my club excels at is recognizing the significance of supporters in achieving success.
The one change I’d make would be allocating more tickets to our younger fans. It is vital to maintain the vibrant atmosphere at Anfield!
A social media account to follow is @LFCHistory, which provides an indispensable resource for records and statistics.
The opposition player I’d love here is Alexander Isak, the quintessential No.9.
I’m least looking forward to playing Arsenal – I find their brand of anti-football and inflated self-opinion tedious.
Fans think our gaffer is a truly wonderful addition for us.
If he left, he should be replaced by Luis Enrique.
We’ll finish as champions once again. The Club World Cup will exert a toll on Chelsea and Manchester City, and we are aware that Arsenal lacks the fortitude required when challenges intensify.
