Arne Slot (Liverpool)
October 2025
Slot decried basics and duels lost as Liverpool slumped to a fourth successive league defeat, slipping to sixth. He bemoaned two calls: a denied Gakpo penalty before Brentford’s second, and a VAR penalty against Van Dijk converted by Thiago. Goals from Ouattara, Schade, Kerkez and Salah framed a chaotic setback that further dents the champions’ title defence.
Liverpool
October 2025
Despite £240m outlay on Isak and Wirtz, Liverpool’s frontline has sputtered. Salah was benched in key away UCL ties; Isak owns one Carabao Cup goal and Wirtz awaits his first, raising questions whether the squad is a coherent unit or a collection of stars. Early results leaned on late winners and set pieces while open-play chance conversion lagged. Slot’s rotations and role clarity for Wirtz/Isak are under scrutiny; the analogy to PSG’s galáctico imbalance underscores the need for pressing cohesion, defined zones, and repeatable patterns in the final third.
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
October 2025
Gakpo became the first Netherlands player since Rob Rensenbrink in 1978 to score two penalties in one match, leading the Oranje to a 4-0 victory over Malta in World Cup qualifying. He scored twice from the spot and assisted Tijjani Reijnders.
Gakpo’s composure and creativity defined the match as he created four chances and controlled attacking play. His brace underlined his growth as a reliable international performer, reinforcing his form for Liverpool and importance to Ronald Koeman’s rejuvenated Dutch side.
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
May 2025
Bayern Munich have added Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo to their transfer shortlist but are prioritizing Kaoru Mitoma or Rafael Leão first. Liverpool are open to selling if the right offer comes.
Gakpo, 26, has been pivotal under Arne Slot with 49 appearances this season, but Bayern’s first targets remain Brighton’s Mitoma and Milan’s Leão before considering Gakpo.