Liverpool have been dumped out of the League Cup after losing 3-0 at home to Crystal Palace, causing dismay for their worldwide fanbase.
After a simply superb title-winning season in the Premier League last time around, the 2025/26 season is causing many Liverpool fans concern following an alarming set of results in recent weeks.
When the summer transfer window slammed shut, most pundits, fans and journalists believed Liverpool had just completed a near-perfect selection of high-quality transfer deals.
However, the Premier League Champions have now lost their last four league games in a row and have now been knocked out of the Cup by Crystal Palace. Disaster.
After beating title rivals Arsenal at Anfield, most observers believed it was business as usual, as Liverpool defeated a well-organised Gunners team set up in a defensive formation. Liverpool passed the test.
“Our reaction must start now.” Virgil van Dijk
Many fans are becoming worried that their new signings, formations, and results are resulting in what many see as a short-term crisis.
In contrast, others believe the problems are deeper than a blip in league results.
Captain Virgil van Dijk has issued a rallying cry to fans, players and staff alike in an attempt to turn things around and return to winning ways.
Speaking on the Liverpool FC Official Website, the Dutch international defender said, “Our reaction must start now.
“Anfield needs to be a place that no team wants to come to, and for that we need everybody, players, staff and supporters to be at their very best.”
Should Liverpool win their next league game at home to Aston Villa, the confidence levels could very well begin to return amongst fans and players alike.
However, a failure to get three points against an improving Villa side could seriously add to the pressure on manager Arne Slot.
“Our reaction must start now.” Virgil van Dijk
The Liverpool boss believes many teams have worked out effective tactics to beat his star-studded squad.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Slot said: “It is definitely that teams have a certain playing style against us.”
The Dutchman added, “It is a very good strategy to play. We have not found an answer yet.”
Whilst the manager is undoubtedly working on tactics to overcome Liverpool’s next opponents, some pundits are not entirely confident they can.
“Slot’s long-ball comments are a big concern.” Paul Merson
In fact, former Arsenal legend Paul Merson does not rate the Liverpool manager’s comments to the media.
“I didn’t like Arne Slot’s comments about not being able to handle long balls and then the low block.
“They just bought Florian Wirtz in for over £100m to get past 10 players behind the ball.”
Liverpool also has the best centre-back in the world in Virgil van Dijk. That’s why Slot’s long-ball comments are a big concern,” added Merson. (Source: Sky Sports)
“We have a fantastic manager so I don’t see any trouble.” Federico Chiesa
Liverpool’s in-form maestro, Federico Chiesa, is more optimistic, however.
Speaking in the Guardian, the Italian international said: “We’re not winning. I always think positively, and I hope we’re going to bounce back.”
Chiesa added, “We have the quality and the players to do so, and we have a fantastic manager so I don’t see any trouble.”
Liverpool have such a strong squad, a great manager as well as a superb set of fans. That is why, in my opinion, I think that they will turn things around over the next two or three league games. If they don’t, then Anfield could become a very nervy place for fans and players alike.