Managing Liverpool as Florian Wirtz decision becomes clear and dream January signing found Liverpool’s poor performances have seen the…

Managing Liverpool as Florian Wirtz’s decision becomes evident and the ideal January signing is identified.

Liverpool’s recent lackluster performances have led to a dismal streak of results as we explore three strategies Arne Slot can employ to stabilize the situation.

The club must act swiftly to prevent the damage to their season from becoming irreparable. The last month has been particularly poor for the reigning Premier League champions.

After leading the league in the early weeks of the season, Arne Slot’s team has suffered five losses in their last six matches across all competitions.

Currently positioned in seventh place with four defeats out of nine league games, the Reds’ season is in jeopardy of unraveling before Christmas, especially with a challenging schedule ahead.

Despite investing nearly £450 million during the summer transfer window, Slot has struggled to effectively incorporate his new players as he had envisioned, with the team exhibiting signs of a significant overhaul rather than just minor adjustments.

This has resulted in subpar defensive displays and reliance on sporadic individual brilliance to achieve results throughout the season.

Mirror Football now examines three critical areas Liverpool must focus on to realign their season, ensuring that this poor performance is merely a temporary setback rather than a pivotal moment in their campaign.

Addressing defensive issues

The full-back positions have undeniably posed a significant challenge this season. Jeremie Frimpong was signed as a stylistic alternative to Trent Alexander-Arnold, while Conor Bradley has also been brought in to compete for the right-back spot.

On the other hand, Milos Kerkez was acquired with high expectations as the future replacement for the aging Andy Robertson, who remained to facilitate the Hungarian’s transition.

However, both signings have underperformed, with Frimpong facing fitness issues and Kerkez occasionally appearing overwhelmed.

Conceding first and having to chase games has become a significant issue for the Reds, and they have also struggled with defending set pieces.

Slot acknowledges that his team is losing too many physical battles, and the defensive weaknesses have even affected the previously dominant Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool needs to stop giving away free-kicks in wide positions and focus on set-pieces during training. Furthermore, Kerkez, as Robertson’s long-term successor, should be approached with patience.

Currently, utilizing Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, and Van Dijk as the three centre-backs in build-up play while allowing Kerkez the freedom to advance as a full-back could enhance their defensive stability.

Looking ahead, acquiring an additional defender in January will be essential, especially since they missed out on Marc Guehi during the summer.

Guehi might opt to leave Crystal Palace on a free transfer at the end of the season, but Liverpool should act swiftly and consider paying a fee to secure his services, adding much-needed quality and competition for the remainder of the season.

End striker dilemma

The signing of Alexander Isak for a British transfer record fee, while new arrival Hugo Ekitike was already performing well, certainly raised eyebrows.

This decision has proven to be even more questionable, as Isak’s tenure has been disappointing so far.

The Swede has faced fitness challenges and minor injuries early in his time on Merseyside, managing to score only one goal in the League Cup.

In contrast, Ekitike has netted six goals but has shown visible frustration at having to share playing time with the more high-profile transfer, despite integrating smoothly into the team.

Once Isak is fit to return from his latest groin injury, he should not be hurried back into the starting line-up.

Instead, Slot should rely on the more in-form and dependable Ekitike, supported by Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, while Isak can come on to finish games and regain his rhythm post-injury. What Liverpool’s front line needs right now is continuity and consistency.

Unlocking Wirtz.

Before the signing of Isak, Florian Wirtz became Liverpool’s record acquisition in a £116m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. However, the German’s statistics regarding goals and assists have not sufficiently validated that substantial price tag.

It can be argued that it is typical to require time to adjust to English football, and Wirtz continues to create opportunities despite his limited goal contributions. Nevertheless, Slot must discover a method to leverage his strengths.

This involves positioning him as a central threat, supported by a midfield duo with dynamic players on either side, rather than allowing him to drift wide.

Serving as the main connection between midfield and attack will enable him to penetrate defenses with his passing and movement, while maintaining a more central position will enhance his influence in front of goal.

For this strategy to succeed, it is crucial to achieve the right balance with the pivot behind him and to establish a strong rapport with Liverpool’s full-backs.