Liverpool’s lack of identity has been questioned throughout the season, but Arne Slot has insisted that his “philosophy on football hasn’t changed.”
A football team has to have an identity, but it has been nowhere to be seen this season with Liverpool lacking intensity or a clear style of play.
Arne Slot’s philosophy: “Hasn’t changed”
• Philosophy stands: Arne Slot insists his footballing principles remain unchanged despite Liverpool’s perceived lack of intensity and identity this season.
• Availability caveat: The boss cited personnel limitations as a hurdle, though only Isak and Ekitike were missing from the regular squad.
• Conceding first: A worrying trend continues; the Reds have conceded first in 12 of 28 games, winning only once from that position.
In the last 12 games, Liverpool have won five, drawn four and lost three, with performances failing to show the direction they’re heading, leaving fans exasperated by what they are watching each week.
Slot, however, insists that his philosophy has not changed this season as he discussed the need for Liverpool to create more chances with the dominance they have in possession.
“Yes, I would love us to create more from ball possession,” Slot told reporters after Liverpool had 58 percent possession at Fulham.
“I can tell you this, my philosophy of football hasn’t changed this year compared to all the seasons I was a manager before, but we have to do it with the players that we have available.
“And I think today, 11 very good football players were on the pitch, maybe not all of them in their normal position, but in the first half, they controlled the game.
“Just before they scored, we had exactly the same chance from Cody Gakpo, which went on the other side of the post.
“And in the second half, two disallowed goals, two goals scored, a header on the bar. So things to like, but the result is, again, not what we may deserve, question mark.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: Liverpool's Cody Gakpo celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It is another example of Slot mentioning the players he ‘has available’ as a caveat, despite having only two regulars – Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike – missing at Craven Cottage.
Later on in his press conference, Slot sought to reiterate his point by adding: “I didn’t change as a manager.
“I would love to play with eight attackers, if that’s possible, defensively as well.
“But if those eight attackers don’t defend enough, then it’s hard to win a game of football. But we don’t have eight attackers, so that’s not possible.”
Liverpool have now conceded first in 12 of their 28 games in all competitions, losing nine, drawing two and winning only once.