Six Problems Arne Slot Must Fix to Get Liverpool Back on Track Ahead of Chelsea Clash

Liverpool are top of the Premier League but look increasingly disjointed as the season progresses. After a rocky start that saw back-to-back defeats — including a worrying Champions League loss to Galatasaray — pressure is mounting on head coach Arne Slot to turn things around.

Legendary pundit Jamie Carragher has voiced serious concerns about Liverpool’s current style and squad balance, claiming the team “is not playing football at the moment, they are playing basketball,” highlighting the chaotic, end-to-end nature of their performances.

As Liverpool prepare for a tough trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, here are six key problems Slot must address if the Reds are to rediscover their rhythm and avoid a third consecutive defeat:

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1. Floundering Florian Wirtz: The £100m Man Under Pressure

Despite a huge summer outlay exceeding £400m, Florian Wirtz remains a big question mark. The German attacking midfielder has yet to score or assist this season, leading to calls — including from Carragher — for him to be benched.

Though Wirtz has created chances at a rate comparable with Jack Grealish, his struggles to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity are evident. The lack of consistent fitness for Alexis Mac Allister, who could ease pressure on Wirtz, hasn’t helped either.

Slot faces a big decision: persist with the creative No.10 who has shown flashes or switch to a more industrious midfielder like Dominik Szoboszlai to shore up the team’s defensive stability.

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2. Cody Gakpo’s Dramatic Dip in Form

After a promising start filling the void left by Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo has become painfully predictable, favoring cutting inside onto his right foot, which opposing full-backs have learned to neutralize. This loss of surprise and impact saw him dropped for the Crystal Palace game.

With Hugo Ekitike likely sidelined for the Chelsea game, Gakpo will get another chance to prove himself — a must, given the expectations surrounding his signing and Liverpool’s need for attacking threat on the left.

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3. Alexander Isak’s Injury and Limited Involvement

With Ekitike unavailable due to a muscular injury, Alexander Isak is expected to lead the line against Chelsea despite lacking full match fitness. His limited pre-season and lack of sharpness are evident; he has only one goal from five appearances and hasn’t completed a full match.

More worrying is his minimal involvement during games, as seen in the Galatasaray match where he touched the ball only four times in 30 minutes. Slot needs to find ways to get Isak more engaged on the pitch if the Swede is to justify his big-money transfer.

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4. Defensive Frailties and Imbalance

Liverpool’s defensive solidity has been compromised this season, with mistakes and lack of cohesion contributing to goals conceded. Carragher notes the team has “lost a lot defensively,” and this imbalance between attack and defense is making it hard for the Reds to control games.

Finding the right blend between offensive flair and defensive discipline will be key to restoring Liverpool’s competitiveness.

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5. Squad Rotation and Fitness Woes

Key players like Alexis Mac Allister have been in and out due to injuries, disrupting the flow and chemistry of the team. This instability has made it harder for new signings to settle and the team to maintain consistency.

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6. Tactical Adjustments and Managing Expectations

Finally, Slot must refine his tactical approach. Carragher suggested Liverpool were “a workman-like team” last season, but attempts to add stardust with new signings haven’t yet translated into improved performances.

Slot’s challenge is to maintain a solid foundation while integrating attacking talent effectively — a task made harder by injuries and inconsistent form.

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What’s Next for Liverpool?

The trip to Stamford Bridge is looming large. Chelsea are no easy opponents, and Liverpool need to demonstrate improvements quickly if they are to maintain their position at the top and avoid a damaging run of defeats.

Arne Slot has the tools — but fixing these six issues will be crucial in getting Liverpool firing on all cylinders again.