For fans of Liverpool FC, the days have been extremely tough. With results not coming, I believe the real issue has been a drop in performance. In this article I’d like to touch on the idea that Liverpool’s team condition had actually been declining since the end of last season, even before the current slump.
The shadow that approached during the 2024-25 season
Last season, Liverpool were of course Premier League champions, and their strength — especially in the first half of the season — was exceptional. They charged ahead at the top of the Premier League, and in the Champions League group phase they were virtually unstoppable.
However, as the season entered its later stages, the team’s performance failed to reach the heights of the first half. Fatigue was likely a factor, and maintaining the level shown earlier for the full season was no easy feat.
The clear turning point: the PSG tie
In March 2025, the Champions League knockout round began. Liverpool faced Paris Saint‑Germain over two legs, and reluctantly exited the competition at a penalty shoot-out.
In the first leg (away) they won 0-1, but behind that win was the fact that goalkeeper Alisson Becker made several big saves. In the second leg at Anfield they failed to secure the job.
It was then that the team’s condition decline became clear — the next match was the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United at Wembley, and although many expected Liverpool to win, they lost.
Some hard-fought games despite the drop
It is clear Liverpool’s condition was lower than in the first half of the season. Even so, the team showed spirit. One such example: in the Premier League Round 34 at Anfield against Tottenham Hotspur, a win would have sealed the title for Liverpool and given fans in the Kop a moment to celebrate together for the first time in 35 years. They won — and in emphatic fashion, 5-1.
But then, no more wins
Once the title was secured, I believe maintaining motivation became difficult. But Liverpool still had four games left. Their record in the final four: 2 draws and 2 defeats. Ideally they would have ended in style, but given that they had not used much squad rotation during the title-winning season, they had achieved much. But the fact remains: after beating Tottenham, they didn’t win again in the 2024-25 season.
Was there fatigue accumulating in the players?
In the new season, Liverpool made major signings and brought in world-class stars. Many people thought that with such a shake-up it would take time to gel. Separately, one wonders: did the regular first-team players — who played almost every game — accumulate fatigue? Honestly, I believe yes, at least to some extent.
Might it be time to change the way of playing?
As I’ve written so far, Liverpool’s struggles this season aren’t only because of so many new players. If the core players were approaching their physical limits without a clear break, then can they realistically aim to win the Premier League in the same way as before? It may be difficult.
Fortunately, we still have many matches remaining in the season. Changing a way of working after winning glory is never easy, but I feel the moment for bold decisions is at hand. In any case, I want to see Liverpool show that aggressive style again. First, the players must be placed in an environment where they can improve their condition.
