Liverpool FC Forum

There's no doubt all national managers told their players to save themselves, it's not just an LFC problem but yes, our lads certainly over-saved themselves.

I think Slot lost the dressing room after Christmas and the work rate dropped.

I’m not saying they downed tools, but a combination or ***** tactics and undertrained players produced a toxic mess and very little work rate.

Well if they wanna stay they're gonna have to up that work rate because Iraola plays flat out all season, reckon they'll be a few looking towards the Saudi retirment league come Xmas

If Klopp was Sean Connery, let’s hope Iraola is Roger Moore with Slot being that James Bond in between that no one remembers.

When a great manager leaves it is a huge hole to fill and can take alot of time get back to great heights. Sometimes it works and many times it doesn't. Take a look at United since Fergie left they are struggling to get back to competing. I think Carrick will be gone by the end of the year. Sometime money isn't the issue, you need the right system, manager.

Arteta was given time and gradually it has worked very well for Arsenal. As much as we dislike them his done really well, they saw that slow progression and are seeing the fruits now.

If we see positive signs and gradual progression, stick to the project.
Hope it works out with Iraola, atm all is new and we are a mixed bag which is expected. However, progression is key.

Still not sure about Arteta, he spent over a billion buying every defender out there and it still took a lot of very dodgy refereeing decisions to win the PL last year. They made PL football awful to watch. This year the arrogance has risen exponentially.

As for changing managers, I worried about that when getting rid of Slot. If we get rid of Iraola next season then we will be in the same cycle. Arteta survived a lot of underachievement before last year.

They quite fortunate that it wasn't prime City they faced last season. But mate they are a stable side and difficult to break down. Their footy may not be pleasing to the eyes but its a resolute system. This is their peak currently, so would I say they'd compete in Klopp/Peps peak, no. Ironically though they've strengthened defense and mid whereas we work somewhat in the opposite direction. His got a fixed xi and is just adding one or two here and there. Wheras we are still figuring out...

To be fair to Arteta he completely changed the culture there, he moved on players who weren't prepared to put their shoulders to the wheel like Ozil and Aubemeyang and got everyone pulling in the same direction.

Feels like we’re making steady progress. Still a long way to go, but he’s starting settled on a preferred first 11.

Telling that Rio, Frimpong and Grav are on the bench.

I wouldn’t be surprised if one left in January.

Incredibly we have a better defense than Arsenal 

Tell you what I like about Iraola is that hes got a set of balls on him. He knew Grav and Frimpong wasn't playing upto scratch and dropped them. I think he'll give Kerkez abit more time as he had him at Bournemouth playing well under him. I'm praying its going to work out for Wirtz as he's the kinda playing I enjoy watching. He reminds me of Coutinho, a luxury player.. when Coutinho left we turned into a much better team even though he was technically the best player in the team

I think Wirtz is a much better player when he has a hard working midfield behind him so he can find pockets without the burden of one eye on defensive work, as you say a luxury player. Technically gifted but a little lightweight for the PL. He’ll improve and muscle up a bit since he’s still young.

UvS xR4GEx » Mon Sep 21, 2026 10:54 pm wrote:He reminds me of Coutinho, a luxury player.. when Coutinho left we turned into a much better team even though he was technically the best player in the team

I remember saying this about him three games into his Liverpool career. He's a luxury player, and one that sadly hasn't worked out IMO. Wirtz is no where near the level Coutinho was with us and even Coutinho's departure made us a better team.

For me it's pretty clear and the sooner we accept it the better; Wirtz hasn't worked out for us and most likely never will. What I'd personally do is sell Wirtz to Bayern who seem to be willing to get him. A cut price of £80m should be acceptable for both sides. Use that money to buy someone like Alex Scott.

Speaking of Scott, I thought he had a great game against us, definitely the kind of player we could use. He was involved in everything that Bournemouth did. For me he's on Elliot Anderson's level. Bournemouth apparently wanted £80m for him, I think that's a good price in today's market.

We're only 5 games into the season but technically a lot has happened at LFC.

We have a new manager who's willing to drop players who don't perform (Klopp and Slot failed to do this) Frimpong, Kerkez, Grav, Wirtz all big money signings which shows he has a plan and will focus on players who will make it reality.
He's brought in youngsters all of whom have done well and should be stronger contenders for more regular football in the second half of the season.
He know's where we're still weak and will be working to bring in the right players to fit his system.
Sadly he's also decided who's not part of his plan anymore, Chiesa, the Greek etc.. and they should be moved on in January.
All all this with the chaos of Edwards and Hughes leaving and FSG selling 38% of the club.
Iraola is doing a good job despite the 5 results D-D-W-D-W which disguise what he's achieving in transforming the playing style as well as retasking the players able to fit the model.
And of course things will improve when our injured lads come back Bradley, Ekitike, Leoni (and potentially Chiesa).

Keep going Reds, I'm a lot more optimistic than during the pre-season!