Liverpool's Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday was a thrilling display of tactical adjustments and individual brilliance, but it also raised questions about the team's future. With four consecutive losses behind them, manager Arne Slot made some daring decisions, and the results were remarkable.
A bold move to bench Salah: Slot's choice to leave Mohamed Salah, Liverpool's star player, on the bench was a risky one, especially given the team's recent struggles. But this move, along with a formation change, proved to be a masterstroke as Liverpool ran out 5-1 winners.
Record signing Isak's injury concern: The game saw the highly anticipated pairing of Alexander Isak, Liverpool's record signing, and Huge Ekitike, who has been in fine form. However, Isak's night was cut short due to a groin injury, casting doubt on his immediate future. Slot acknowledged the challenge of managing a player returning from a long injury layoff.
Tactical masterclass: Liverpool's formation was a key talking point. They lined up in a 4-4-2 without possession, a familiar setup for Slot's teams. But when on the ball, they adopted a fluid 3-2-5, with Gakpo and Frimpong/Bradley providing width. This system allowed for an attacking trio of Isak, Wirtz, and Ekitike to interchange positions, causing Frankfurt problems.
Defensive frailties persist: Despite the win, Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities were evident early on. They conceded 18 goals in 13 games this season, a stark contrast to last season's record. Former Liverpool player Stephen Warnock noted that while there are flaws in the new system,
