There’s a kind of disappointment that’s louder than a bad result. It’s the feeling you get when you watch Liverpool and you can’t see what’s meant to be improving week on week. That’s where a lot of this frustration with Arne Slot comes from, because even when things are steady on the surface, the actual shape of the team can feel flat, slow and a bit joyless.

The big complaint is simple: the football looks over-instructed. Players who’ve spent years thriving on instinct and freedom suddenly look like they’re waiting for permission. Instead of seeing lads take risks, combine, and play on the front foot, it can feel like everyone’s being dropped into pre-set positions and told to stay there. Like Subbuteo. And if that’s the case, it’s no surprise it starts to look predictable.

When it stops looking like it’s heading somewhere

Supporters will put up with plenty if they can see a direction of travel. Even in messy spells, you’ll forgive a lot when you can point to patterns forming, confidence building, intensity returning. But when it’s the same issues repeating, the patience goes quickly.

That’s why the comparison to the final stretch under Rodgers gets dragged out. Not because the situations are identical, but because the vibe is familiar: sticking rigidly with a plan that doesn’t seem to match the players you’ve actually got, and hoping it clicks rather than adjusting it. Truth is, when Liverpool look like they’re playing within themselves, it’s hard not to worry.

Big club expectations don’t wait around

This is where the “we’re Liverpool” part kicks in. If you’ve been on top, you don’t want to drift into being just another decent side. After a title, the expectation is to cement it, keep the standards ferocious, and make it horrible for everyone else. When it feels like we’ve gone backwards, it hits harder because the bar is higher.

And no, not everyone will accept the “transition” label as cover for it. Fans remember genuine rebuilds. They also remember when a side simply looks like it’s lost its edge.

If the squad’s mostly fine, what needs changing?

One interesting point here is that the finger isn’t being pointed at the whole squad. The argument is we’re not miles off: we need at least one centre-back quickly, and you can make a case for adding one proper forward option out wide or through the middle. Beyond that, it’s more about how we’re using what we’ve got.

That’s why the call is for a manager who leans into attacking intent, who lets the better footballers play, who gets the tempo up and the crowd back into it. Because when Anfield senses caution, it can turn anxious. When it senses belief, it can carry you.

For some, it’s already gone too far and they want the change now. Others will want more time. But the heart of it is the same: Liverpool shouldn’t look this constrained.

Written by Rum Lad: 8 January 2026

Tags: efl tactics