Six questions Arne Slot must answer to get Liverpool back on track against Chelsea – Goal

Arne Slot faces one of the biggest early tests of his Liverpool tenure as the Reds prepare to take on Chelsea in a high-stakes Premier League clash. Having stumbled in recent fixtures, Liverpool need answers quickly if they are to regain momentum and prove themselves worthy of another title challenge. With questions mounting on several fronts, Slot finds himself under pressure to deliver both tactical clarity and decisive leadership.

The first major issue surrounds Florian Wirtz. The young playmaker arrived at Anfield with a glowing reputation, but his role under Slot has yet to click. Traditionally a No.10, Wirtz has struggled to find rhythm in a system that doesn’t naturally accommodate his instincts. Slot must now decide whether to remodel his tactics to suit Wirtz’s creativity, or push the German into a different role that better fits Liverpool’s pressing and attacking dynamics.

Another puzzle comes with Cody Gakpo. Following the departure of Luis Díaz, the Dutch forward has been tasked with filling an enormous creative and goalscoring void on the wings. While Gakpo has shown flashes of brilliance, consistency has eluded him. Slot must figure out whether Gakpo can shoulder the responsibility of being Liverpool’s main attacking threat from wide areas or whether rotation and tactical tweaks are required to extract his best performances.

Liverpool’s new striker, Alexander Isak, also demands attention. Signed to lead the line, Isak has the tools to dominate Premier League defences, but he has not yet been fully integrated into Liverpool’s attacking flow. Too often, he looks isolated, lacking service from midfield or incisive passes from wide areas. Slot has to solve the problem of supply—whether through tactical adjustments, instructing full-backs to overlap more aggressively, or giving midfielders clearer creative roles. Unlocking Isak’s potential could transform Liverpool’s entire attack.

Midfield balance poses another concern, particularly with Alexis Mac Allister’s fitness issues. The Argentine playmaker is crucial to Liverpool’s control in the centre, but injuries have left Slot with difficult decisions. Should he risk Mac Allister from the start, or rely on less experienced options who might lack composure in a big game? This dilemma will test Slot’s willingness to gamble on individual quality versus prioritising squad depth.

The right-back position also remains unresolved. Jeremy Frimpong brings explosive attacking energy, but Conor Bradley offers more defensive solidity. Slot has alternated between the two without settling on a clear first choice, creating uncertainty within the backline. Against Chelsea’s pacey wingers, this decision could prove pivotal. Does Slot back Frimpong’s forward thrusts, or trust Bradley’s discipline to neutralise danger?

In central defence, another decision looms: Ibrahima Konaté versus Joe Gomez. Konaté has the physicality and aerial dominance but has looked vulnerable in recent matches. Gomez, on the other hand, provides mobility and composure but can sometimes lack leadership. Slot must weigh whether to stick with his established hierarchy or reward form and confidence. Stability at the back has been a hallmark of Liverpool’s best sides, and Slot cannot afford indecision here.

Beyond individual positions, Slot’s bigger challenge lies in restoring Liverpool’s collective identity. At their best, Liverpool play with intensity, pressing high and suffocating opponents. Recently, that edge has been missing, with transitions too slow and the press disjointed. Chelsea, a side always ready to exploit space on the counter, will punish any lapses. Slot must re-instill urgency and togetherness if Liverpool are to control the tempo at Anfield.

Mental resilience is another question. This Liverpool side, still adjusting to a new manager and new faces, has shown signs of fragility when conceding first. Slot’s man-management will be crucial in ensuring that setbacks don’t spiral into collapses. His team talks, substitutions, and in-game adaptability will all be under the microscope. Against Chelsea, where momentum can swing quickly, Slot’s decisions could define the outcome.

Ultimately, these six questions—Wirtz’s role, Gakpo’s consistency, Isak’s integration, Mac Allister’s fitness, the right-back conundrum, and the central defensive pairing—go beyond simple tactical tweaks. They represent the broader challenge of transition from Jürgen Klopp’s era to Slot’s vision. Liverpool fans expect evolution, not regression, and patience will only stretch so far.

If Slot can provide convincing answers against Chelsea, Liverpool may not just get back on track—they could signal their intent to remain a force at the top of English football. But if the same doubts persist, the pressure will intensify quickly. The clash with Chelsea, then, is more than just another Premier League fixture; it is a defining moment for Arne Slot’s Liverpool project.