In the second part of his weekly column, John Aldridge covers Florian Wirtz, the prestige of the FA Cup and the importance of qualifying for the Champions League.
Galatasaray fans during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Galatasaray A.S. and Liverpool FC
Galatasaray fans during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Galatasaray A.S. and Liverpool FC(Image: Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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It was great to see Florian Wirtz back in action against Wolves on Friday night, even for only 20-odd minutes. Liverpool have missed him, but more so Hugo Ekitike up top.
He's been isolated in the last couple of games. He's not been fed. A lack of service. When Wirtz gets on the ball he can take us into that other third. He's got pace and ingenuity, which can get you into places and provide creativity and that's what Ekitike hasn't had whilst Wirtz has not been in the team.
Alexis Mac Alliser seems to have lost a bit of pace this season, which hasn't helped. It's something that's got to be looked at in the summer.
Mohamed Salah's at the age now where he's probably playing too much, we've all got our own opinions on it. But can Jeremie Frimpong play there? He's not a goal scorer is he? That's the only problem. Mo could get you 20, 30, 40 goals a season.
Frimpong can create a lot of goals and score a few but it's not natural to him. Can he play there? Yes, in certain games when you're up against it, like Galatasaray even. If Slot doesn't play Mo, he could play him up there with Joe Gomez at right-back. There are certain games when you might have to go in with that frame of mind and not play Salah. Just for something different.
FA Cup still special but not a modern priority
Liverpool are into the quarterfinals of the FA Cup and it's a competition that is close to my heart. In modern football, because it's all about money, it's the Champions League that's important - finishing in the top four or five.
The prestige of winning the Champions League is rightfully there, but finishing in the top five shouldn't carry the same weight.
When I was younger, the FA Cup was always as significant as winning the league, but unfortunately football has changed. It's not now. It's more important to get into the Champions League than to win the FA Cup.
One of the best moments of my life was winning the FA Cup in 1989 for the Hillsborough families. It's always got a special place in my heart. When the Reds won it in 1965 and 1974, again, they were some of the best moments in my time supporting the Reds, so it's sad to see where the FA Cup is now.
I'd love to see Liverpool win the FA Cup again, but the reality is that they will have other priorities. I don't know what the club is thinking with Arne Slot at the moment, but we'll have to see at the end of the season.
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No need to panic in Galatasaray 'cauldron'
Liverpool face a difficult trip to Galatasaray on Tuesday night. The most important thing is to come back from Istanbul with the tie intact. If you get a draw, then happy days. A draw is not the end of the world.
They're good at home. We've had the experience there before earlier in the season, so we know what to expect, which is a good thing. You've got to try and quieten the crowd.
I remember going to Turkey with the Republic of Ireland and it was absolutely nuts. It was a tough night but we won 3-1. It was a great result, so I know by experience what it takes.
The players have got to have the bottle and take it on as a challenge. Have the attitude "I'll show them". That's the way that you've got to be. It's only a crowd. They can't take the ball off you and put it in the back of the net. Don't panic. Don't do anything silly and let the referee give them any decisions.
They're no mugs. They beat Juventus. They're a dangerous team with players like Viktor Osimhen. Liverpool need to treat them with respect like every team but then do what you they need to do. Don't panic over the atmosphere. Just play your natural game.
Reds much knuckle down to secure Champions League spot
Regardless of how Liverpool fare in this year's Champions League, qualification for next season is still very much in their own hands. They've got Chelsea at home and Manchester United away still to come.
But they've got to do better. You can't slip up at Wolves like they did last week. We're making it difficult for ourselves. Thursday night football would be an absolute disaster, especially after the money they spent on new players last year. We probably need another four players to get back on track.
The players have got to realise that when they play in Galatasaray and all of these great places that feel like the World Cup, you want to do that every year. Make sure you're getting those three points and you get in the top four or five.