Liverpool: What path lies ahead after a disastrous season?

Even with a guaranteed Champions League berth, Liverpool's campaign has been branded a catastrophe. Can Arne Slot and his players draw valuable insights as they gear up for the upcoming season?

In the last two seasons, Liverpool have ended their campaigns with 1-1 draws—against Crystal Palace last year and Brentford this year. But last season's draw with Palace came after Liverpool had already clinched the Premier League title, while Sunday's draw with Brentford merely helped Slot's side cling to fifth place.

Instability from the very start

It is no exaggeration when captain Virgil van Dijk calls this the worst and most challenging season of his career. Liverpool have collected only 60 points this season, a staggering 24 fewer than last season. This total is far from commensurate with the £450 million spent on a host of new signings in Slot's second season at Anfield.

Of course, Liverpool began this season in a state of unease following the traffic accident that claimed star striker Diogo Jota. In his final interview as a Liverpool player, defender Andrew Robertson admitted it was a huge loss, though neither he nor any other Liverpool member used the tragedy as an excuse for a poor season. Slot's side started the campaign strongly with five consecutive wins, but managed only 45 points from the remaining 33 matches. Notably, an unstable run of seven matches with six defeats from late September to November last year stripped Liverpool of the chance to defend their Premier League title. From that erratic stretch, troubling issues emerged: a tendency to concede late goals as players showed signs of fatigue, and weaknesses in set-piece situations.

The summer signings Slot brought in have brought more disappointment than joy. Alexander Isak, the £125 million acquisition from Newcastle, scored only half as many goals as defender Van Dijk. The Swedish striker did not get a single minute against Brentford, a sign that Slot is losing patience and faith in his ability to make a difference. Florian Wirtz, another costly recruit at Anfield, failed to score or assist against any team in the top half of the table. Jeremie Frimpong was supposed to be the answer at right-back, but Liverpool ended the season using seven different players in that position, including many makeshift solutions. Looking at the starting lineup against Brentford, there was not a single summer signing. This partly reflected Slot's desire to give Salah and Robertson one last chance to shine in Liverpool colors, as their era ends this summer.

Restructuring the squad this summer

Salah leaves Anfield after nine years, 442 appearances, and 257 goals. Robertson also spent nine years at the club and departs as one of the greatest defenders in Liverpool history. The duo witnessed Liverpool's golden era, winning two Premier League titles and one Champions League, among other honors. Replacing them will not be easy, and it remains unclear whether more players will leave after Salah and Robertson.

Curtis Jones did not celebrate after opening the scoring for Liverpool, prompting two interpretations. It could be caution, as he sensed the goal might be ruled out by VAR. But skeptics worry it might be the 25-year-old midfielder's final moment at Anfield, with Inter Milan interested. Ibrahima Konate's future is uncertain as his contract expires next month and he has not agreed to an extension. Other players like Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, and Federico Chiesa could also leave for more playing time elsewhere.

Personnel changes are expected at Liverpool this summer. But Slot's ambitions must not be downgraded after just one poor season. The Dutch manager should consider himself fortunate that Xabi Alonso has taken the Chelsea job, ending the scenario where Slot could lose his position. He still has a chance, but he must learn harsh lessons if he wants to transform Liverpool.