The Athletic FC Podcast

Episode: Why have Liverpool lost their way?

Date: October 6, 2025
Host: Ayo Akimbolere
Featured Guests: David Ornstein, Simon Hughes

Episode Overview

This episode of The Athletic FC Podcast probes Liverpool's recent struggles after a bright start to the season under Arne Slot, examining a three-game losing streak—including defeats to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, and Chelsea. Host Ayo Akimbolere is joined by senior reporters David Ornstein and Simon Hughes to dissect the problems, the impact of major transfers, squad turnover, the lingering trauma of Diogo Jota’s death, and whether Liverpool’s project is fundamentally off track or just enduring growing pains.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Liverpool’s Wobble: Context and Current Form

[02:02–03:27]

• Simon Hughes opens by putting the losing run into context: Liverpool’s squad is not in crisis, but instability is clear across all areas—defensive concerns, a rotating midfield, misfiring wide players, and a lack of settled options up front.
  • “Fullbacks on both sides aren’t working at the moment... the number 10 that’s been brought in hasn’t quite settled. And then there’s been changes in the number nine position, chopping and changing.” (Simon Hughes, 02:38)
• The panel agrees problems are solvable but interconnected, making consistent performances elusive.

2. Squad Overhaul and Transfer Dynamics

[03:27–07:24]

• David Ornstein contextualizes Liverpool’s £450 million spend: when a club overhauls beyond the "five changes" Wenger rule, as Liverpool did, chemistry suffers.
  • “Too many alterations cause an instability that's maybe not ideal for squad building and competitiveness. And Liverpool, we saw far more than that in total.” (David Ornstein, 03:42)
• The loss of key players (Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving, Alisson injury) and big-money signings (Florian Wirtz) needing time to settle further compound issues.
• Expectations shifted unrealistically high with spending; Liverpool's perfect start was flattering to deceive, with several late wins masking deeper problems.
  • “It was almost like they were papering over some cracks which is maybe the sign of champions, but... there is some concern there.” (David Ornstein, 07:11)

3. Team Chemistry and Arne Slot’s Inheritance

[07:24–10:09]

• Simon notes that Liverpool’s evolution was inevitable post-Klopp, but the sheer scale of squad change invites teething problems:
  • “Championship winning teams... don’t change that much” (Simon Hughes, 07:44)
• The expectation for immediate results from new signings, particularly Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, is misguided; the manager now has to find a new balance—both in attack and defense.
• Mac Allister’s drop in form noted as symbolic of adaptation issues.
  • “Liverpool just haven't looked very organized and they've been too easy to play through at times.” (Simon Hughes, 35:47)

4. Control, Confidence, and the First Goal Problem

[10:09–12:38]

• Statistically, Liverpool win when scoring first and lose when conceding first, reflecting a loss of match control and resilience.
  • “What you illustrate there is a lack of control because they've scored late and they've conceded late. There's no consistency to that trend.” (David Ornstein, 10:32)
• Discussion highlights that confidence isn't the only variable—injuries, personnel churn, and tactical changes all play into Liverpool’s difficulties.

5. The Mo Salah Conversation: Decline or Circumstance?

[15:29–23:36]

• In-depth dissection of Mo Salah’s struggles:
  • At Stamford Bridge, failed to register a shot on target, all three dribble attempts failed, just three touches inside Chelsea’s penalty area ([16:02]).
• Simon attributes this more to systemic change, role alteration, and emotional toll than simple age-related decline:
  • “He looks a little bit tired actually... when you get to his age, given all the conversation around Liverpool giving him the contract, it’s inevitably going to lead to, well, has he lost a little bit?” (Simon Hughes, 16:24)
• David notes that Liverpool's internal analysis supported Salah’s contract, and partnerships—especially with Alexander-Arnold—are sorely missed:
  • “He certainly wasn’t declining. It was one of his finest seasons last time round.” (David Ornstein, 19:57)
• Both agree change in personnel, injuries, and emotional fatigue have diminished his efficiency.

6. The Jota Tragedy: The Human Factor

[23:36–26:56]

• Simon and David discuss the traumatic impact of Diogo Jota’s death:
  • The squad, manager, and wider club are emotionally affected; Jota was not just a key player but a unifying presence.
  • “When that event’s happened, despite all the business that Liverpool were doing... if Liverpool were to really have a go and win the league from this position, it sounds ridiculous... but it’s a minor miracle really because it’s such a horrible thing to deal with.” (Simon Hughes, 24:08)
• Emotional fatigue is impacting on-pitch performances, and managing this is a unique challenge for Arne Slot.

7. Is This a Crisis? What Needs Fixing?

[30:05–39:00]

• David contrasts current turbulence with last season’s setbacks, suggesting this is more a “blip” than a disaster—unless poor form continues into crucial upcoming fixtures (Man Utd, Real Madrid, Man City).
  • “They will be regarding this as a blip. And everything we’ve discussed shows it’s not easy.” (David Ornstein, 30:26)
• Simon identifies loss of “control” as the standout worry; Liverpool have surrendered goals and leads in ways not seen under Slot last season:
  • “That hasn’t happened at all this season... there hasn’t been any control really in any of the performances.” (Simon Hughes, 34:17)
• The scale of summer change, emotional toll, and tactical tweaks mean it may take time to reestablish the consistency and structure that powered last season’s title.

8. Managerial Pressure and Fan Expectations

[35:39–37:00]

• Simon highlights the challenge of defending the title amidst high expectations and historic difficulty—Liverpool haven't retained the league since 1984.
• Fan expectations have been inflated due to big spending, but even with improvements in results, falling short is statistically likely.

9. Transfer Successes and Flops: Across the League ([40:52–45:47])

• Quick roundup of early transfer successes:
  • Nick Walter Mada at Newcastle – “He’s delivered the goals so far. He’s a unique profile.” (David Ornstein, 41:10)
  • Jeremy Pino at Crystal Palace – “He’s really added some pace and trickery...” (David Ornstein, 41:10)
  • Jack Grealish at Everton – “He’s given the whole club a lift... he excites them.” (Simon Hughes, 42:38)
  • Jaden Anthony at Burnley – “Apparently he’s right up there on a load of the metrics as being one of the most productive players in the league so far this season.” (David Ornstein, 45:27)
• Early disappointments: Mads Hermansen (West Ham), Jadon Sancho (Aston Villa), Frimpong (Liverpool, slow start).
• On “who to drop” at Liverpool? David ducks outright criticism, observing Slot already benched Viets and Salah recently; final judgment rests on the next few games.
• Transfer window unlikely to resolve Liverpool’s issues; January is not seen as a reset opportunity.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Too many alterations cause an instability that's maybe not ideal for squad building.”
  — David Ornstein, [03:42]

• “I always felt when all these deals were being made that Liverpool will benefit from this definitely next season. I thought this season was going to be harder than people expected.”
  — Simon Hughes, [07:44]

• “What you illustrate there is a lack of control because they've scored late and they've conceded late. There's no consistency to that trend.”
  — David Ornstein, [10:32]

• “It’s a minor miracle really because it’s such a horrible thing to deal with... must be very hard for the players. When you’re emotionally drained, it’s hard to just suddenly [get] on the pitch and perform.”
  — Simon Hughes, [24:08]

• “He looks a little bit tired actually I think... He seems to be questioning himself on the pitch almost about what he's doing.”
  — Simon Hughes, on Mo Salah, [16:24]

• “They will be regarding this as a blip... it needs to click and it needs to click pretty fast.”
  — David Ornstein, [30:26]

• “Liverpool just haven’t looked very organized and they've been too easy to play through at times.”
  — Simon Hughes, [35:47]

Timestamps – Most Important Segments

• [02:02–03:27]: What’s going wrong at Liverpool? Problems across the pitch
• [03:27–07:24]: Transfer spend, squad overhaul, and expectation management
• [15:29–23:36]: Mo Salah’s struggles, possible decline, and new dynamics
• [23:36–26:56]: The Diogo Jota tragedy and its emotional impact
• [30:05–34:17]: Is this run a crisis or a blip? Slot’s biggest test, finding control
• [35:39–37:00]: Historical context of title retention and fan expectations
• [40:52–45:47]: Transfer window standouts and flops; Liverpool’s “who to drop?” debate

Tone & Closing Thoughts

The discussion is measured, insightful, and nuanced. Both guests stress that while Liverpool’s issues are real and rooted in squad instability, tactical adjustments, and trauma, panic is premature. There’s respect for the complexity of elite club management through adversity, and a call for patience—though the looming Manchester United and Real Madrid fixtures may prove pivotal for Arne Slot’s stewardship.