Although they still carry the title of ‘Premier League champions,’ the Reds have struggled significantly throughout most of this season.
Manager Arne Slot is under pressure, and rumors are rife about potential successors for his role at Anfield.
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Currently, it appears that Liverpool’s executives are committed to supporting the Dutchman, but a swift turnaround in performance is essential.
The club is grappling with issues both on and off the pitch, with declining standards prompting a prominent journalist to suggest that Liverpool is missing a player they let go three years ago.
Liverpool’s attitude problem is holding them back
Some challenges encountered by the Reds this season are beyond the club’s control.
Multiple key injuries have plagued the team, and the recent, tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother over the summer has undoubtedly had a significant impact.
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As Liverpool finds itself in a challenging situation, there appears to be a lack of leadership among the players. Virgil van Dijk’s acknowledgment that they essentially gave up during the 4-0 loss to Manchester City illustrates the core issues at hand.
The shift in attitude has not gone unnoticed, as highlighted by Paul Joyce in a recent article.
“Attitudes have changed, and standards have certainly dropped. This reflects poorly on the players and on the man meant to inspire them [Van Dijk],” Joyce wrote.
“They would love to have a player like Jordan Henderson or James Milner back right now. It’s time for a new group to rise to the occasion during tough times.”
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Henderson departed Liverpool in 2023 for the Saudi Pro League after a challenging season, but he has since returned to the Premier League with Brentford, where he has become a pivotal player this season.
While some fans criticized Henderson’s on-field performance, his leadership is undeniable, and a player of his caliber is desperately needed by the Reds at this moment.
Joyce’s assessment that Liverpool’s standards have fallen is accurate, and if Slot aims to retain his position, his top priority must be to rectify this issue. An improvement on the pitch will undoubtedly follow.
While they are currently missing Henderson, Liverpool must navigate the remainder of the season without him, making the upcoming weeks crucial.