Arne Slot is convinced next season will be different at Liverpool - here's how it can be
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The ECHO takes a look at some of the issues Arne Slot needs to resolve at Liverpool this coming summer after the head coach claimed the Reds "will be a different team next season" on SaturdayAfter boos were heard once more around Anfield following the final whistle of a Premier League match, Arne Slot was asked if he remains convinced he can win back the match-going support at Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.A 1-1 draw with a Chelsea side who had lost their last six and scored just one goal was enough for jeers, following on from similarly disgruntled noises at the end of the games with Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur, which also ended with the same scoreline in January and March, respectively.“Yeah, I do [remain convinced]," Slot said. The ECHO has taken a closer look at what might be on the agenda as a potentially defining summer for Slot as Liverpool's head coach nears.READ MORE: Liverpool sent Jeremie Frimpong message as Dominik Szoboszlai transfer rumours addressedGet the No.9 involved moreA feature of Slot's play over the last two seasons has been how uninvolved generally the No.9 has been in his tactical framework.The coach has tried several players in the role across the last 18 months or so with Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike all being tasked with leading the line at various points.The late Jota scored the first goal of the Slot era in that 2-0 win at Ipswich Town in August 2024 and he was an important part of the squad that won the title last term, but Nunez's particularly frenetic style was unsuited to an approach that demands patience under the current boss.Nunez fared much better under previous Jurgen Klopp regime and by November of 2024, it was left-winger Diaz who was being deployed centrally on a consistent basis.
The Reds were linked with the PSG winger last summer before they broke the bank for Isak and Barcola has 10 goals and two assists from 27 Ligue 1 games this term.With Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele providing exceptionally stern competition for a place in the European champions' forward line, Barcola may be minded to consider his options.He is represented by the Jorge Mendes agency Gestifute, who Liverpool have dealt with over several players in recent years including Fabinho, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.Find a solution at right-backThe problem position has undoubtedly been at right-back this season for Arne Slot. Denzel Dumfries, of Inter, was also part of behind-the-scenes talks, suggesting the head coach was keen to bolster his right-sided defensive options at the start of the year.If Bradley's convalescence is no nearer to an end then Liverpool must bring in an experienced and dependable option at right-back.Add physicalityOne of Liverpool's biggest problems this season has been their inability to compete with the division's more robust and physical sides.Too often a soft underbelly has been exposed and their midfield, in particular, has lacked bite.
Alexis Mac Allister has been way below the standard shown in his two full previous terms and Ryan Gravenberch looks a pale imitation of the Premier League's young player of the year.Dominik Szoboszlai has carried the fight but he has been a rare positive in the engine room this season. The combative Wataru Endo only started only one game - at right-back - and saw his season ended by a serious ankle issue in February.Consequently, Liverpool have been bullied too often.