Liverpool FC: Avoiding Second Season Syndrome

[TheMaestro]

Chapter One

Rewind to the end of last season and Liverpool fans could not have been happier with new manager Arne Slot. He'd won the league title in his first season as manager with some comfortability, and after a significant summer spend, hopes were extremely high that the Reds could repeat their title success and retain their title.

After five straight wins to start the new season, fans were optimistic of that as a possibility, but there were some evident concerns in the brand of football that Liverpool were playing. It lacked the same control, passion and intensity that was such a feature of Slot's first season. And, sure enough, results soon came to an alarming halt. Liverpool lost 4 straight league games in a row, and although they bounced back with a win over Aston Villa, their 3-0 loss at the weekend to Manchester City showed they were some way off the pace in the title race.

So, with that in mind, I'm taking over Liverpool as of the start of the 2025/26 season, with the hope of achieving a strong title challenge. One of the talking points about Liverpool has constantly been their summer window, and bedding in the host of new signings will be difficult. Moreover, the failed acquisition of Marc Guehi has meant that Liverpool's defensive depth is not as strong as its attacking depth. I'll seek to address that in the transfer window.

So, the objective remains. At the very least, I'm after a top 3 finish, with hopes of retaining the title, but, of course, I'm aware of how difficult that will be when Arsenal look stronger than ever and City have re-inforced after a weak season last year. Just about anyone can beat anyone in the Premier League and we'll have to ensure consistency if we're going to enjoy a successful season of the back of winning the Premier League title.​

 

[TheMaestro]

Chapter Two

With pre-season underway and the new Premier League season beckoning, it's important to look over the squad, and decide on a first team, as well as addressing any transfer rumours ongoing during the window.

The Key Three

Alisson (GK)

It was a toss-up between Alisson and Virgil Van Dijk as the most crucial aspect of our defence, and whilst VVD is the more likely option, I've listed Alisson as one of our most important pieces. He's been at Liverpool for the best part of his career, and has consistently been one of the league's best goalkeepers. I just feel that he'll be so important to how we setup and he can be the difference between us winning and losing a game.

Dominik Szoboszlai (CM)

If the opening weeks of Liverpool's season proved one thing, it was that Dominik Szoboszlai is a terrific footballer. Whether asked to play in midfield or deputise at right-back, he has shone all throughout this season for Liverpool, even when results haven't gone their way. And he scored that stunning free-kick against Arsenal.

Mohamed Salah (RW)

This season has proved difficult for Salah so far, but we know what magic the Egyptian winger is capable of. Last season was arguably the best of his career, and I believe he can carry that incredible run of form into this season. He's been a crucial part of Liverpool for over five seasons now, and, despite all of our attacking additions, Mo is still the main man.

The Young Propsect

Rio Ngumoha (LW)

Our biggest prospect is 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who possesses trickery and pace on the wing at such a young age. I'll be looking to give him first team exposure where possible and hopefully he can blossom into the player which I believe he can be.

The New Arrival

Jeremy Jacquet (CB)

Unfortunately, FM has Marc Guehi's transfer value at over 70 million in game, which was significantly more than our transfer budget of 30 million. That money went towards a CB, but instead it was the young French defender Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes. We desperately needed another CB in case of injury as we only had Joe Gomez as a back-up, and Jacquet will benefit from having a role to play in the first team.

Our tactical setup seeks to largely retain the 4-3-3 pressing system which Slot has employed. It should be a little less of the chaos that could sometimes ensue under Klopp and more of the measured approach that Slot had brought last season, picking and choosing the right moments to press intensely, and then having comfortable possession where possible.​

 

[FM_TNSSO]

Good to see you back my man! Look forward to following this!

 

[TheMaestro]

Chapter Three

After a successful pre-season in which we won all but one of our games (a 2-2 draw against Bologna), it was time to kick-off the new season with the chance of winning a trophy - the Community Shield.

Community Shield: Liverpool vs Crystal Palace

We were able to kick-off the season with a win in the community shield, eventually proving victorious over Crystal Palace 2-1. For large parts, we were left frustrated at our inability to take chances, but Ibrahima Konate's header from a corner in the 77th minute secured the win for us.

Matchday 1: Liverpool vs Bournemouth

We were off to a flying start in the Premier League, going 3-0 up after just 33 minutes. I mentioned a controlled and measured approach to the game and that was what we took after the 3rd goal went in. Although they managed to get one back, we were never really at risk of losing a comfortable lead and ran out 3-1 winners.

Matchday 2: Newcastle vs Liverpool

A potentially difficult away game proved to be a comfortable 2-0 victory and I was very impressed with how we set-up against Newcastle in this one. Federico Chiesa has started the season well amidst a slight injury to Salah, and his goal got us underway here. We dominated the game from start to finish and fully deserved our win.

Matchday 3: Liverpool vs Arsenal

A huge fixture just three games into the season saw us host Arsenal at Anfield. A small token of coincidence to note - in the Newcastle game, Fabian Schar scored an own goal on 56 minutes, and in this game, Gabriel scored an own goal on 56 minutes. That goal proved to be the crucial moment in this game, as we secured an important 1-0 win. Andy Robertson got a somewhat silly red card in the 94th minute, making a two-footed challenge in the middle of the pitch when the game was virtually over.

I should say, though, we were all over Arsenal, and the fact that we had to rely on an own goal was slightly concerning. We should have scored at least two goals ourselves, but I was highly impressed by just how much we dominated the game, restricting Arsenal to just one off-target shot across the entire match and having 17 corners to their 0.

Player of the Month

We've been solid at the back so far, and Konate also scored the Community Shield winner, so he's my choice for Player of the Month, though we've started very well and everyone has contributed effectively so far. A positive start overall.​