With a new season set to get underway, many questions have been asked of Liverpool. From uncertainty surrounding a new head coach who many weren’t aware of before his announcement, to an underwhelming transfer window so far, what can Liverpool fans realistically expect next season?
While many fans didn’t know much about Arne Slot before he was named as the new Liverpool head coach, after some research it became clear why he was given the role. A charismatic man who achieved a lot in the Eredivisie with AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord. He has a proven track record in overachieving and improving players, with an exciting style of play drawing comparisons to Pep Guardiola and Roberto De Zerbi, as well as a management style said to be similar to Jürgen Klopp, proving that there’s a lot to be excited for under Slot.
Pre-season showcased his playstyle in impressive fashion. Liverpool fans will always be happy with a 3-0 win over Manchester United, as well as other standout results including a 2-1 win against Arsenal and a 4-1 thrashing of Sevilla. These impressive performances have probably been the biggest source of excitement so far, but there are still questions as to whether he has enough to follow in the footsteps of the best Liverpool manager of the modern era. This pressure has not been eased by lack of activity in the transfer window so far either.
With failed attempts for Spanish holding midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, the transfer window has not quite gone to plan for Liverpool. A signing that appears as though it will happen is Giorgi Mamardashavili, although he is set to go on loan to Bournemouth, meaning that it won’t impact the team next season. This lack of investment so far has been quite disappointing, and fans will certainly be hoping for a bit more movement from the Reds in the next two weeks.
There are worries in the lack of transfers and the large shoes to fill left by Klopp, but the way Slot has carried himself thus far, the positive results in pre-season and his track record in the Netherlands prove to be big positives. Liverpool fans should be excited going into the new season, and while a title charge might not be possible just yet, a top 4 finish and runs in the cups and Champions League should definitely be achievable. However, we will have to wait and see how the Reds perform against Ipswich at 12:30pm on Saturday.
Here are my personal predictions below:
Premier League: 3rd
Carabao Cup: Winners
FA Cup: Quarter Final
Champions League: Semi Finals