The Athletic FC Podcast Summary: "Are Liverpool Running Out of Steam?"

Episode Information

• Title: Are Liverpool Running Out of Steam?
• Host: Ayo Akinwolere
• Guests: Si Hughes, Andy Jones, Phil Hay
• Release Date: March 18, 2025
• Podcast: The Athletic FC Podcast by The Athletic

Introduction: A Disappointing Week for Liverpool

The episode opens with host Ayo Akinwolere addressing Liverpool's recent struggles. Just days after their Champions League exit against PSG, Liverpool faced another setback with a defeat at Wembley against Newcastle in the League Cup Final. This double disappointment sets the stage for an in-depth discussion on whether Liverpool is losing momentum.

Liverpool's Performance: Worst in a Major Final This Century

Si Hughes and Andy Jones, both Athletic's Liverpool writers, join the conversation with Phil Hay to dissect Liverpool's recent performances.

• Si Hughes (02:27): "Liverpool don't really have the squad depth to go hard... several competitions at once. It sort of feels like it's going that way at the moment."

• Andy Jones (02:30): "We're done."

James Pearce from The Athletic had previously labeled Liverpool's League Cup Final performance against Newcastle as the club's worst in a major final this century. Si Hughes concurs, highlighting the absence of squad depth and the resulting tiredness that plagued the team.

Physicality and Midfield Challenges

The discussion turns to Newcastle's physical dominance, particularly in the midfield.

• Andy Jones (04:38): "100% yeah. Newcastle came into it with a lot of the history behind... but ultimately Liverpool fall into the trap of... Newcastle's physical game."

• Phil Hay (08:43): "There are junctures where that can happen and I understand the criticism of the performance."

The guests elaborate on how Newcastle's intensity and physicality overpowered Liverpool, compounded by a congested fixture schedule that left Liverpool fatigued.

Tactical Breakdown by Michael Cox

Michael Cox, from The Athletic Football Tactics podcast, offers a tactical analysis of Liverpool's struggles.

• Michael Cox (07:03): "Liverpool looks overrun. A little bit lacking in legs but... undermanned in that zone."

Cox criticizes Arne Slot for not adapting his system against different opponents, noting that Liverpool's inability to rotate effectively contributed to their downfall in both the Champions League and League Cup Final.

Squad Depth and Reliance on Salah

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Liverpool's reliance on Mohamed Salah and the lack of contributions from other key players.

• Ayo Akimolere (08:19): "Has Salah become too relied upon?"

• Andy Jones (14:33): "If it's not Salah, then it's not going to be anyone."

Phil Hay echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the pressing need for more goal-scoring options and questioning the effectiveness of new signings like Federico Chiesa.

• Phil Hay (22:31): "Transfer market hasn't really done anything for Armando Slot. He's been running on existing players."

Management Under Arne Slot: Trust and Tactical Decisions

The conversation delves into Arne Slot’s management style and tactical decisions.

• Andy Jones (17:35): "Slot made no changes in his starting 11 between the PSG and the Newcastle games other than the enforced change because of Trent Alexander-Arnold's injury."

• Phil Hay (22:06): "Starting 11 Chiesa hasn't really worked though, has it?"

The guests critique Slot's reluctance to rotate the squad and his dependency on a core group of players, which has led to predictability and vulnerability against physically dominant teams like Newcastle.

Potential Summer Changes and Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the panel discusses the possible implications for Liverpool's future, including potential departures and the pressing need for new signings to bolster the squad.

• Si Hughes (28:32): "Endo plus who can also start big games... there's a lot of work for Richard Hughes to do."

• Phil Hay (37:10): "Liverpool might start kind of finding themselves answering for the quiet year that they've had because the squad does need additions."

The uncertainty surrounding key players such as Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Salah adds to the concern about Liverpool’s stability and competitiveness in the coming seasons.

Maintaining the Lead: Positivity Amidst Challenges

Despite recent setbacks, Andy Jones and Si Hughes remain cautiously optimistic about Liverpool's position in the Premier League.

• Andy Jones (34:32): "Liverpool are better than all of the teams that they're going to be playing in the next few games."

• Si Hughes (36:53): "If Liverpool win the league, no matter the circumstances... they will."

Phil Hay advises that maintaining focus and resetting after the international break will be crucial for Liverpool to preserve their 12-point lead in the league.

• Phil Hay (37:10): "It's probably the gap as it is at the moment is just too big."

Conclusion: Balancing Realism and Optimism

The episode concludes with a balanced perspective on Liverpool's current state. While acknowledging the legitimate concerns regarding squad depth, tactical rigidity, and overreliance on key players, the panel also highlights Liverpool's formidable position in the league. The overarching sentiment is one of cautious optimism, with an understanding that strategic adjustments and effective management will be key to sustaining success.

• Andy Jones (36:25): "We'll come Southfield and we'll cause problems."

• Si Hughes (31:22): "Let the good times roll."

Ayo Akimolere wraps up the episode by emphasizing the importance of perspective and resilience for Liverpool as they navigate the remainder of the season.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Si Hughes (02:27): "Liverpool don't really have the squad depth to go hard... several competitions at once."
• Andy Jones (04:38): "100% yeah. Newcastle came into it with a lot of the history behind..."
• Michael Cox (07:03): "Liverpool looks overrun. A little bit lacking in legs but... undermanned in that zone."
• Phil Hay (22:31): "Transfer market hasn't really done anything for Armando Slot."
• Andy Jones (14:33): "If it's not Salah, then it's not going to be anyone."
• Phil Hay (37:10): "It's probably the gap as it is at the moment is just too big."

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from "Are Liverpool Running Out of Steam?" The podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of Liverpool's current challenges, tactical shortcomings, and future prospects, making it an insightful listen for both fans and football enthusiasts.