Arne Slot told Liverpool’s problems actually started 180 days ago

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Liverpool’s terrible run of form is a real concern for Arne Slot and Reds fans, but the problems may have actually begun at the tail-end of last season.

Back in April and May of this year, Liverpool were busy finishing off their dominant title pursuit. Arne Slot made quite the impression in his first season in England, winning the Premier League by a massive ten-point margin.

Fast forward a few months, and Slot’s position is now under question after a run of seven straight defeats in all competitions.

Criticism has been aimed at Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah, too, with the influential pair in poor form of late. For the latter in particular, there appears to be a real lack of confidence and cohesion in his attacking play.

• READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano drops Federico Chiesa Liverpool future update with January approach mooted

Paul Merson pinpoints Liverpool issue

So, where did it all go wrong for Liverpool and their talisman? Paul Merson has been discussing the plight of the Anfield outfit, and suggested it all stems back to when Trent Alexander-Arnold said he was leaving back at the start of May.

On Soccer Saturday, Merson said: “I think they underestimated Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving and it’s a domino effect. Alexander-Arnold leaves and all of a sudden you’re talking about one of the best passers in the Premier League, in my opinion, is gone.

“When he plays at right-back [it helps Salah] but now [he’s gone] and they’re doubling up on Salah. And Salah doesn’t look like kicking the ball and I just think it’s a domino effect.”

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Poll: Should Arne Slot be sacked by Liverpool?

Interestingly, Alexander-Arnold has had a tough start at Real Madrid. But, there is no denying how much of an impact he had for Liverpool.

There’s even talk of Mo Salah being sold by Liverpool now, with time ticking on his contract and his career. But, there’s no doubt that Slot and co. will be eager to keep patience with their star man in case he can turn this around.

The fans, however, are ready for Salah to go. If he does, and with Alexander-Arnold already gone, it will truly be the dawn of a new era for Liverpool, for better or worse.

• READ MORE: Spanish media issue ‘humiliating’ Arne Slot and Liverpool verdict ahead of Real Madrid

Liverpool’s summer business caused more problems than it solved

Liverpool spent so much money in the summer, but they are clear proof that spending big is not always the answer.

On paper, the signings of Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Isak look like incredible transfers for Liverpool. However, all three have struggled in the early days of their Liverpool careers.

Merson has claimed Wirtz is not getting enough space to do what he is good at. Kerkez has made big errors, most notably in the defeat against Man United. Meanwhile, Isak looks like money wasted after the successful start for Hugo Ekitike.

Liverpool’s business has been branded irresponsible by Stan Collymore. They spent over £424m this summer, and look far worse for it. The truth is, the squad balance is all off, with leaders going missing and new players failing to settle in effectively.

What the future holds is anyone’s guess. But, we’ll bet the Liverpool hierarchy would love to go back in time and redo this summer all over again.