Is this sustainable?

[peekay]

First of all, I cannot express how grateful I am to Slot and his team, FSG, and the background team, for everything they did to get us to this point. If you had asked me at any point between 2000 and 2013, I honestly didn't think I would see us lift the PL once in my lifetime, let alone twice. With one more win, Slot, in my opinion, enters the pantheon of LFC great managers - Shankly, Paisley, Fagan, King Kenny, Rafa, Klopp, and now Slot. One more face in that flag.

Having said that, do you think the current style of play is sustainable? I am deliriously happy about what we are going to witness and at the same time worried about what comes next? In terms of the eye test, we are failing miserably. We are out of all cup competitions, playing one game a week. It seems like any half-competent manager with a half-decent squad, with a little bit of physicality, and we can lose. Is tiredness still an excuse? Will two or three signings fix this or is this a fundamental approach issue. If we start the next season with the same attitude, there's a decent chance that our outcomes will regress to the mean and be reflected in our points total.

If it's not on the manager and this squad consistently falls off the cliff in late winter and early spring, maybe we should look at large-scale replacement. We are going to be the PL champions and there has been no statement display in the last month. We are tentative for the most part and the nervousness is seeping into the fans and the atmosphere. I don't mind losing to Newcastle in the cup final or going out to PSG in the Champions League. What bothers me is that we could have replayed the final and the two Champions League legs, and I'm not confident the result would have been any different.

I know on these boards, discussions often devolve into you having to be on one side or the other with nothing in between. I am also going to get pelters from some posters and others are going to provide a whole loads of statistics claiming I am wrong. Is anyone else in the same boat as me - incredibly delighted and grateful for what we are about to witness and still scratching their head and worried about the future?

 

[localny]

Great post. Totally delighted and appreciative like you. Not worried about the future. I think everyone involved knows we need to strengthen in some areas. If fsg fail to provide support then I would be worried. But for now - super happy

 

[Modo]

I agree.
For me, this has been quite a strange season. At the start, I saw Slot as a genius—bar the Forest game, he was getting it right almost every time.

I almost wish it had been the other way around—starting slow and finishing strong—but if that had been the case, we probably wouldn’t be in this position in the league.

A lack of rotation, fatigue as a consequence, a lack of creativity, and a lack of pace—there are several things Slot needs to fix in the summer.

He’ll have to learn to trust his squad players, but most importantly, he must find a way to replace the creativity that Trent is currently providing.

Like you, I’m worried about next season. By now, we should be playing the way Slot wants us to, but I’m not impressed.

Over the past few months, I’ve been reading what other fans have been saying about us on their respective forums, and the sentiment is the same everywhere—we’re “boring.” Before you argue that it’s just hate or jealousy, keep in mind that they weren’t saying this when Klopp was in charge.

 

[MomoWASright]

To answer your question, the answer is no.

I don’t think it is anywhere near as bad as some may say, it’s not all rosy in the garden either. We still have the Klopp DNA. Last weekend we did go full on beast mode for the last five minutes. What I didn’t like was we needed to go there. I’m all for control and just win. To quote Alain Prost “I always say that my ideal is to get pole with the minimum effort, and to win the race at the slowest speed possible”. So get the job done with the least drama and wear and tear on what you are working with. However to get to a place to make that choice you need to be quick to begin with. I just don’t think a full on control method works in this league without absolute elite players and having that ideology won’t get you far.

Today I thought we did well. No shots conceeded. Little threat from them helps but it was all the other end of the pitch. So little disconnect between midfield and attack. We don’t actively push the low block the way did under Klopp and I miss that a lot. Our forward line let us down. Recently they’ve not been clinical enough. We make chances and they need to put them away.

There’s a mixture of players Slot just doesn’t want there so will only use them in the most extreme, those who really are at the end of their time here and those who can never do wrong. All of which has contributed to how we’ve been the last 8 weeks. We need to utilise more players. Some will hammer stats on who we’ve used and blah blah blah. The fact is there is a core number of players who get maximum minutes. There is a list of players who must be absolutely disillusioned with their place in the squad. We’ve hammered this point all season.

We do need to look at what we need to do which will stop it happening next season. I think what we need is pace. Lots of it. Gakpo seems to be the slowest “quick” player I’ve ever seen. Diaz doesn’t have it. Robbo lost what he had. Mac really doesn’t have it.

When Salah is off it, or even at AFCON, who is there to step in? Something that needs to be reviewed now, even after the contract extension, especially if we do have one eye on cashing in next summer.

We need a number 9. Maybe not a 9 but a central forward. That would help tie together so much of our game.

I recognise Slot is moving towards what he wants and appreciate him gradually going that way. He has to show more the second half of next season and he can only do that by using greater rotation giving us more energy to compete on multiple fronts and against what may be greater league competition. Having more of his own players and ingrained more of his philosophy may help.

To go back to your question, it is not sustainable, however, I fully expect it to change.

 

[Fabio]

I missed the match today and this is the first thread I see. Tells me what I came on to ask

 

[peterhague]

I'd say we are roughly where are Arsenal are and we're both ahead of City. And our manager is better. I think with maybe 3 good signings wee can retain the title but I'd be amazed if we're so far ahead of Arsenal again, they're better than they showed this year.

 

[Dreambeliever]

I thought we were excellent today and on another day score 5-6.

Not sure what game some of you were watching.

 

[rubans]

Only thing I would say us that us being tired as a reason for some performances doesn’t cut it. We have been tired since end of Jan if that iss the case… Only wat to judge it is once Slot has had a chance have a squad whom he can work with.

 

[Modo]

I'd say we are roughly where are Arsenal are and we're both ahead of City. And our manager is better. I think with maybe 3 good signings wee can retain the title but I'd be amazed if we're so far ahead of Arsenal again, they're better than they showed this year.

I think Arsenal are a striker away from winning the league next season.

 

[StevieM]

I think Arsenal are a striker away from winning the league next season.

Let’s be honest, there only really 3 clubs capable of winning the league and even without a new striker they should be in the mix.

You could say that we’re also only a striker away from retaining it.

 

[Dreambeliever]

Only thing I would say us that us being tired as a reason for some performances doesn’t cut it. We have been tired since end of Jan if that iss the case… Only wat to judge it is once Slot has had a chance have a squad whom he can work with.

I think the nerves and the fact we’ve looked likely winner for ages plays a part.

I think we’ll be strong again next season regardless.

 

[Modo]

Let’s be honest, there only really 3 clubs capable of winning the league and even without a new striker they should be in the mix.

You could say that we’re also only a striker away from retaining it.

True, but they haven't been able get over the line last few season. I believe this is the third time in a row they'll finish second.
What I'm saying is that another striker could be enough to give them that extra push.
Squad-wise they're arguably in a better place than we are.

I dont think we're going to see a team run away with the league next season and I also doubt that the point total will exceed 90 for the winner.

 

[Dreambeliever]

True, but they haven't been able get over the line last few season. I believe this is the third time in a row they'll finish second.
What I'm saying is that another striker could be enough to give them that extra push.
Squad-wise they're arguably in a better place then we are.

I dont think we're going to see a team run away with the league next season and I also doubt that the point total will exceed 90 for the winner.

Only so many pushes in a team before they go backwards instead of forwards. Absolutely they’ve had a lot of injuries but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them worse next season.

 

[peekay]

True, but they haven't been able get over the line last few season. I believe this is the third time in a row they'll finish second.
What I'm saying is that another striker could be enough to give them that extra push.
Squad-wise they're arguably in a better place than we are.

I dont think we're going to see a team run away with the league next season and I also doubt that the point total will exceed 90 for the winner.

I think the CL will play a significant role. If they win, that can provide the shot in the arm they need to get over the line in the league.

 

[Modo]

Only so many pushes in a team before they go backwards instead of forwards. Absolutely they’ve had a lot of injuries but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them worse next season.

I doubt it. It's a team with players in their prime or close to it. They also have some really good up and coming players in Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri.
They won't have to tinker too much. If the rumours are true, they're looking at signing a top midfielder and a striker.

 

[Modo]

I think the CL will play a significant role. If they win, that can provide the shot in the arm they need to get over the line in the league.

Yep, thats what we did.

 

[peekay]

I doubt it. It's a team with players in their prime or close to it. They also have some really up and coming players in Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri.
They won't have to tinker too much. If the rumours are true, they're looking at signing a top midfielder and a striker.

Also curious to see how he handles the pressure. He has been backed to the tune of 800 million euros on a squad that had decent investment under Emery as well. They havent had any significant sales to balance the money spent. At the end of this summer transfer window, Arsenal would have backed him to the tune of a billion euros. Aside from Chelsea's madness, this is the second most expensive squad in the PL by a significant margin. The owners have shown remarkable patience. At what point will they turn on the pressure and how will he respond? Obviously the pressure will be relieved if they win the CL, but if not.....

 

[Dreambeliever]

I doubt it. It's a team with players in their prime or close to it. They also have some really good up and coming players in Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri.
They won't have to tinker too much. If the rumours are true, they're looking at signing a top midfielder and a striker.

They are a busted flush under Arteta. They are our version of Ged or Rafa. Close but no cigar.

 

[Dreambeliever]

Also curious to see how he handles the pressure. He has been backed to the tune of 800 million euros on a squad that had decent investment under Emery as well. They havent had any significant sales to balance the money spent. At the end of this summer transfer window, Arsenal would have backed him to the tune of a billion euros. Aside from Chelsea's madness, this is the second most expensive squad in the PL by a significant margin. The owners have shown remarkable patience. At what point will they turn on the pressure and how will he respond? Obviously the pressure will be relieved if they win the CL, but if not.....

They ain’t winning the CL. They aren’t good enough.

 

[KopRed]

Slot just have a way of playing. He wants his players to win battles, win 1v1s, and only commit when there is an opportunity to do so. In the first half of the season when there were little expectations, we were like clockwork, operating efficiently with minimum fuss. When the pressure started building our players started to drop off. It is curiously similar every season, when it comes to the crunch certain players dropped off. We need better players, especially in the attacking positions.

Out: Nunez, Diaz, Jones, Chiesa

Fine line: Jota, Szobo, Harvey, Endo, Quansah, Robbo

 

[StevieM]

-

True, but they haven't been able get over the line last few season. I believe this is the third time in a row they'll finish second.
What I'm saying is that another striker could be enough to give them that extra push.
Squad-wise they're arguably in a better place than we are.

I dont think we're going to see a team run away with the league next season and I also doubt that the point total will exceed 90 for the winner.

I agree to an extent, but I think there’s more work needed other team than people think.

I reckon they missed Jorginho this season, who’s clearly done, so they’re short at least 1 if not 2 in midfield.

Don’t think their LW options are great either and although the toiled coming through at full back looks very promising, let’s see if he can replicate that form, even then, I think they’re not great in the FB positions.

That’s even before you look at the CF.

Again… I think they have similar problems and needs as us…. The main difference is… they’ve won fuck all whereas we have won stuff.

That whole “final piece of the jigsaw” is something we know well, but you only have a small window before you start needing to find other pieces.

 

[MomoWASright]

Jorginho and Partay are out of contract this summer, but there are rumours the latter is getting an extension. If he doesn’t sign, there’s two players needed to add to the squad just to keep at this level.

 

[Squiggles]

Honestly, I think we should just enjoy the ride for now. There’s no need to look too far ahead. Over the next few years, we’re a safe bet for Champions League qualification and to be in the mix for titles and trophies.

The level of performance will need to improve next season, though, as I expect Arsenal and City to push us harder. But I think both we, and rival fans, are starting to adjust to life beyond the peak Pep/Klopp years—the era of freakish consistency and sky-high standards. The Premier League has shifted back towards its norm.

Most title winners have simply been a bit better than the rest, not breaking records every season. Some expectations probably need recalibrating. We might never see another 99–101 point season in our lifetimes. That’s how much of an anomaly that period really was. I don't see Arteta's Arsenal reaching those heights or Pep being around long enough to take City back to that level, especially when teams like Brighton, Bournemouth and even fucking Wolves can outbid the likes of Inter Milan for players.

 

[doctor_mac]

I thought we were excellent today and on another day score 5-6.

Not sure what game some of you were watching.

Yes. Bad day at the office when Dreamy is the voice of reason.

 

[beejay]

Yes of course it's sustainable. We will keep the core of the team next year that has walked the league and will have the aura of champions. That matters, the players and fanbase believe they are winners and have confidence in the manager.

Look back to the start of this season. New manager and coaching team replacing an inspirational legend and new recruitment and leadership above. No new players coming in and our 3 best players in the last year of their contract. Most fans with low expectations at the end of the Klopp era.

It's a miracle we will win the league after all that at a canter. Slot has done wonders so far, have faith. Who would have thought that Gravenberch would become the best centre midfielder in the league? Because he is. And Gakpo has been exclusively played out wide where he's been so important.

It's a big transfer window coming up but we are entering with way way more strength and ambition than last year having built some formidable foundations.

 

[mom]

Right now, I couldn’t care less about next season.

 

[keniget]

Yeah, I agree.

This season feels like an unexpected bonus that - should we get it over the line - we'll all enjoy immensely but the much expected overhaul and transition period will almost certainly follow. This is still very much Klopp's team. A lot of credit has to go to Slot and his team for keeping things going even if the the early "can do no wrong" vibe has made way for various concerns and questions.

And yeah, it does feel like this season is a little back to front. Had we finished as we started, there would be way more optimism and excitement in the air. As things stand, we're all just kinda waiting it out (and in some cases, hoping we don't fuck things up) because the football feels stagnant and joyless.

City will spend a fortune to get themselves back into a winning position and Arsenal are a very good side that aren't far off a dominant season.

If we fuck up the summer either through inaction or iffy transfers, I think we'll struggle to replicate this season.

 

[moron]

@peekay - good post and some very strong points. Here are my feelings so far:

1) Slot has been very lucky - what we know about him are the following:

- He don't give a shit about player feelings
- He is a coward and always goes with stability and what he knows first- only grows a pair when things look completely fucked
- He is a 2nd half merchant.
- His style of play which is what we are seeing now in its near fullest - is not PL winning material - my view is that the first half of the season was 70%+ KloppBall and 30% Slotball, since February - we can say that its been switched over, and in all honesty 2025 has been shit for us in terms of our overall results.
- He has been lucky because of what he has inherited from Klopp / Salah having a freak season / VVD being back at nearly his best - what I can credit him with is his better use of the midfield talent we have to sustain their fitness through most of this season and not running them to death like Klopp did. I terms of his tactics - they are still under question because lets be honest - we have had better 2nd halfs for most of this season -which tells me he is not setting up the team correctly.


2) Transfers will make or break us - I think:

- both VVD/Ibou have been our rocks at the back and if we lose Ibou because we are not willing to pay him his market worth then we are fucking dumb fucks to start with. That said, we need to bring in the eventual replacement for VVD and to rest him and Ibou in games.
- obviously we need an LB,
- we definitely need a more physical/dominant CM who we can rotate and especially use in games where we come up against the Newcastle brutes of this world. I think we need to bring in that CM in addition to keeping our current main stable of Mac,Grav,Jones,Szobo,Endo - so yes we need 6 possible starters for the whole season
- If we lose Elliot we need a reputable/reliable No. 10 type - I like Simmons and I like the idea he can play on the right to give Salah a rest.
- If we lose Diaz - we need another LW to replace with pace and ability to duel 1-on-1
- If we lose Nunez - we need a striker replacement obviously - I would love us to sign that Delap kid from Ipswich.
- if we lose TAA - we should just get our own quality freebee from Forest as a replacement.

I want FSG/Slot - to keep to the promise of ensuring that we recruit will allow us to complete in ALL competitions next season.

Note if we lose Ibou this summer - there is not guarantee of anything next season - as I don't think there are many defenders better than him we can get in world football. It would a fucking stupid decision. Throughout Liverpool's history the years we win stuff - has always been because of having a stable defensive unit.

 

[bluebell]

@peekay - good post and some very strong points. Here are my feelings so far:

1) Slot has been very lucky - what we know about him are the following:

- He don't give a shit about player feelings
- He is a coward and always goes with stability and what he knows first- only grows a pair when things look completely fucked
- He is a 2nd half merchant.
- His style of play which is what we are seeing now in its near fullest - is not PL winning material - my view is that the first half of the season was 70%+ KloppBall and 30% Slotball, since February - we can say that its been switched over, and in all honesty 2025 has been shit for us in terms of our overall results.
- He has been lucky because of what he has inherited from Klopp / Salah having a freak season / VVD being back at nearly his best - what I can credit him with is his better use of the midfield talent we have to sustain their fitness through most of this season and not running them to death like Klopp did. I terms of his tactics - they are still under question because lets be honest - we have had better 2nd halfs for most of this season -which tells me he is not setting up the team correctly.


2) Transfers will make or break us - I think:

- both VVD/Ibou have been our rocks at the back and if we lose Ibou because we are not willing to pay him his market worth then we are fucking dumb fucks to start with. That said, we need to bring in the eventual replacement for VVD and to rest him and Ibou in games.
- obviously we need an LB,
- we definitely need a more physical/dominant CM who we can rotate and especially use in games where we come up against the Newcastle brutes of this world. I think we need to bring in that CM in addition to keeping our current main stable of Mac,Grav,Jones,Szobo,Endo - so yes we need 6 possible starters for the whole season
- If we lose Elliot we need a reputable/reliable No. 10 type - I like Simmons and I like the idea he can play on the right to give Salah a rest.
- If we lose Diaz - we need another LW to replace with pace and ability to duel 1-on-1
- If we lose Nunez - we need a striker replacement obviously - I would love us to sign that Delap kid from Ipswich.
- if we lose TAA - we should just get our own quality freebee from Forest as a replacement.

I want FSG/Slot - to keep to the promise of ensuring that we recruit will allow us to complete in ALL competitions next season.

Note if we lose Ibou this summer - there is not guarantee of anything next season - as I don't think there are many defenders better than him we can get in world football. It would a fucking stupid decision. Throughout Liverpool's history the years we win stuff - has always been because of having a stable defensive unit.

Your provocative posts seem like a cure for boredom more than anything else. Arne Slot has earned every bit of praise he gets. He clinched the league in his debut season without splashing cash, unless you count Cheesy, who’s barely seen the pitch.

This season, Slot’s taken stock and pinpointed the need for more pace in the squad. He’s noticed we’re creating plenty of chances but struggling to finish them—a proper No. 9 could fix that.

The full-backs have been a weak spot, with Trent occasionally looking sluggish and Robbo playing like he’s recovering from a heavy night out.

Still, Slot’s shown his approach is sustainable. Next season, with more player turnover, will be a transitional one. I’m not banking on a title—securing a top-four finish would be solid progress.

 

[moron]

Your provocative posts seem like a cure for boredom more than anything else. Arne Slot has earned every bit of praise he gets. He clinched the league in his debut season without splashing cash, unless you count Cheesy, who’s barely seen the pitch.

This season, Slot’s taken stock and pinpointed the need for more pace in the squad. He’s noticed we’re creating plenty of chances but struggling to finish them—a proper No. 9 could fix that.

The full-backs have been a weak spot, with Trent occasionally looking sluggish and Robbo playing like he’s recovering from a heavy night out.

Still, Slot’s shown his approach is sustainable. Next season, with more player turnover, will be a transitional one. I’m not banking on a title—securing a top-four finish would be solid progress.

It is not supposed to be provocative, its the truth, I should be feeling we will get stronger next season and be even better but this Slot style is so fucking slow its unreal, we are likely to draw more games next season if he does not sort out the shitty turd of football he is getting them to play.

I always beleived that had we had baller midfielders like we have now then Klopp woulf have won titles more easily and he almost pulled it off last season but for bad finishing. Slot has won this league by rotating the midfield slightly to avoid burn out, and won it despite his idea of football tactics because of the world class players he has inherited. Its aweful, everyone can see that once people start getting over the fact that we have won a title.