Liverpool’s Sudden Collapse Exposes Arne Slot’s Right-Back Crisis

Liverpool’s season, which had begun with real optimism under new manager Arne Slot, has taken an unexpected downturn. After seven consecutive victories — including five in the Premier League — supporters believed the Dutchman was successfully extending the foundations laid by Jürgen Klopp. The energy, intensity, and belief appeared restored, signaling a team ready to defend its title.

However, football’s rapid unpredictability soon struck. Within the space of a week, Liverpool suffered three consecutive defeats to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, and Chelsea. These losses exposed underlying weaknesses that had previously been masked by positive results. Confidence faded, and scrutiny quickly shifted toward a recurring problem: the right-back position.

Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer were among the first major voices to highlight the tactical inconsistency. They noted Slot’s uncertainty in choosing a reliable right-back, emphasizing the instability caused by constant changes. Their observations came as the defensive structure began to unravel under pressure.

Rooney, speaking on the BBC, suggested that warning signs were present even during Liverpool’s winning run. He observed a lack of fluidity and cohesion compared to previous seasons, arguing that Slot’s inability to trust any of the available right-backs contributed to the team’s downturn. His concerns underscored a deeper tactical imbalance.

Shearer echoed similar sentiments on Premier League Productions, questioning Slot’s handling of new signing Jeremie Frimpong. Despite acquiring the Dutch defender for £29.5 million, Slot experimented with Frimpong, Conor Bradley, and even Dominik Szoboszlai in the same role. His decision to deploy Frimpong as a right-winger in Istanbul further reflected tactical uncertainty.

The root of the problem can be traced to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid — a loss that created a significant void. Slot attempted to compensate with rotation and experimentation, but the lack of stability only heightened confusion. With the season progressing, the manager now faces a decisive moment to commit to a long-term solution on the flank.

Despite the setbacks, Liverpool’s campaign is far from over. The team still possesses quality and depth, and the right-back dilemma is not insurmountable. If Slot can establish clarity and restore structure, the critics may be silenced and Liverpool may yet reclaim their momentum. The club has weathered difficult periods before, and its resilience remains central to any resurgence.