Liverpool fans have been asking one question since the international break began: what’s really going on at Anfield?
After a winning start that had the Reds dreaming of another title chase, Arne Slot’s Liverpool suddenly hit a wall — and hit it hard. Three defeats in the space of a week have sent shockwaves through the fanbase, leaving major doubts over form, mentality, and even the futures of their biggest stars.
And at the center of the storm? None other than Mohamed Salah — Liverpool’s Egyptian King — whose contract situation is once again becoming a talking point across Europe.
A WEEK THAT SHOOK LIVERPOOL
Just before the international break, things went from bad to worse. A heartbreaking late defeat to Crystal Palace was followed by a tough Champions League loss in Istanbul, where Galatasaray handed Liverpool their first European defeat of the year.
Then came the final blow — a 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Suddenly, what once looked like a smooth transition into the Arne Slot era began to show cracks.
Slot, who started his tenure with bold tactical tweaks and an attacking identity, now faces the biggest test of his short reign. Three defeats on the bounce have sparked conversations not just about tactics, but about leadership, mentality, and the emotional heartbeat of the team.
⚽ SALAH’S CONTRACT: THE QUESTION EVERYONE IS ASKING
While Salah remains Liverpool’s most consistent attacking threat, whispers about his long-term future are resurfacing once again. His contract runs until June 2026, but speculation is heating up — especially after last summer’s Saudi Pro League pursuit, when Al-Ittihad reportedly offered a record-breaking deal.
Inside Anfield, the message is clear: Salah is still central to Liverpool’s plans. But there’s a growing realization that a decision on his next chapter will need to be made sooner rather than later.
Arne Slot has publicly praised Salah’s professionalism, calling him “a leader by example.” Yet privately, there are concerns about how Liverpool will handle the inevitable — preparing for a future without one of the greatest players in their modern history.
Supporters have mixed feelings. Many insist Salah should retire at Anfield, while others believe a sale in 2026 could fund a new attacking rebuild. Either way, his every touch, every goal, and every reaction is now being analyzed under a microscope.
🧩 TRENT’S IMPACT — AND THE FEAR LINGERING IN DEFENSE
While Salah’s contract dominates headlines, there’s another issue quietly worrying the fanbase: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s influence.
Since returning from injury, Trent hasn’t quite looked like the commanding presence Liverpool fans are used to. His new hybrid midfield role — part full-back, part playmaker — worked beautifully early in the season. But recently, the system’s balance has looked fragile, with teams exploiting the spaces left behind when he drifts inside.
Slot faces a tactical dilemma: stick with the modern evolution of Trent’s game or revert to a more traditional setup that offers greater defensive cover. Neither option is simple.
The Reds’ backline, once marshaled with unshakable authority by Virgil van Dijk, now seems uncertain at times. Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté have shown flashes of brilliance, but defensive lapses have cost Liverpool dearly in recent matches.
As one former player put it this week, “Liverpool look like a team trying to find their new identity — but the Premier League doesn’t wait for anyone.”
SLOT UNDER PRESSURE — BUT STILL BACKED
Arne Slot’s honeymoon period is officially over. Yet inside the club, there’s still full faith in the Dutchman’s long-term project. He was brought in not just to manage results, but to reshape Liverpool’s playing philosophy — to modernize their style without losing their trademark intensity.
What’s hurting Liverpool right now is less about effort and more about execution. The transitions are slower. The pressing is less synchronized. And when key players like Salah or Trent aren’t at their peak, the entire rhythm breaks down.
But there’s also optimism. Players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have shown glimpses of brilliance, and Darwin Núñez continues to grow into his role as the team’s chaos engine up front. Slot’s message to his players during the break has been simple: “Reset. Refocus. Remember who we are.”
🔔 WHAT COMES NEXT
Liverpool return from the break sitting just behind Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who lead the Premier League by a single point. The mission is clear: regroup, rediscover the intensity, and prove that this was just a blip — not a breakdown.
Their next few games could define the season. Home fixtures at Anfield will be crucial, where the fans’ energy often transforms frustration into fire.
As Salah nears yet another career milestone — closing in on 250 goals for the club — the question isn’t just whether he’ll stay beyond 2026, but whether this new Liverpool era can rise to match the standards he helped create.
One thing’s certain: the world will be watching.
Because when Liverpool fall, they rise higher. And right now, Anfield is ready to roar again.
