No panic but is Liverpool’s transition season arriving late?

By Martin Graham

Liverpool’s players were unsettled before their Champions League clash in Istanbul, with fireworks outside their hotel disrupting rest. Yet it was not the noise but a second successive defeat that highlighted deeper concerns.

The Premier League title holders remain at the top of the domestic standings, so there is no immediate need for alarm. However, their 1-0 loss to Galatasaray again exposed weaknesses already seen earlier this season.

Arne Slot, who enjoyed a smooth introduction after succeeding Jurgen Klopp, delivered a championship in his opening campaign. Now, despite heavy summer investment of around £450m, this period is showing the first clear signs of difficulty.

Costly arrivals still searching for influence

Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s record signing at £125m from Newcastle United, is still lacking full sharpness after a difficult transfer saga. Florian Wirtz, signed for £116m from Bayer Leverkusen, has also struggled to adapt, appearing lightweight in the faster Premier League environment.

Slot’s choices in Turkey did not work to his advantage. Leaving Mohamed Salah on the bench until the hour mark was costly, as Galatasaray already held the lead. The last time Salah was named as a substitute in Europe came in 2022, a decision unlikely to be repeated soon.

Tactical changes and key absences

The Dutch coach also reshuffled positions. New signing Jeremie Frimpong was used further forward rather than as a defender, while Dominik Szoboszlai was placed at the back. Szoboszlai conceded the penalty that allowed Victor Osimhen to score in the 16th minute, sending the stadium into raptures.

Liverpool’s defence was threatened early when Baris Alper Yilmaz broke through unchecked, saved only by Alisson. The Brazilian keeper later left injured in the second half after another stop from Osimhen, worsening the situation. Striker Hugo Ekitike also limped off.

Former players and pundits described the display as unfamiliar for Liverpool, pointing out that their previous defensive assurance is no longer evident.

Wirtz struggling to fit into the side

The young German playmaker has not yet provided the spark expected after leaving Leverkusen. Apart from a single attempt on goal in Istanbul, his influence was minimal. He continues to search for a first goal in Liverpool colours.

Commentators questioned his role, suggesting his introduction may have unsettled team balance. Wayne Rooney argued that Wirtz, despite his ability, may not yet fit the system and could be affecting cohesion.

Statistics support this view. Liverpool have already required late goals to salvage results and have repeatedly lost two-goal leads. Clean sheets have also dropped, with only two from ten matches compared to six at the same stage last season.

Slot urges calm despite early concerns

After the defeat, Slot acknowledged the margins between winning and losing remain slim. He noted Liverpool’s first-half play showed promise but felt the second half lost rhythm due to stoppages and Galatasaray’s tactics.

Former striker Daniel Sturridge observed that the current side lacks the fluency of last season but still has time to improve. Slot himself stressed that the level is close to what was achieved previously, but results have not been falling their way.

What is missing, though, is the composed authority that marked Liverpool’s run to the title. That quality was absent again under the intense pressure of Istanbul.