Fenway Sports Group (FSG) spent a world-record £450 million during the summer transfer window, giving new boss Arne Slot the ammunition to create what many believed would be one of the most formidable teams in Europe.
For those who want to support the Reds’ revival, plenty free bets online appear on the market before the knockout phase.
But after a crushing 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the EFL Cup, Slot made a bold and unexpected admission: he did not have the squad depth to cope with the unforgiving schedule of modern football.
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It was a striking statement, one he softened just days later as Liverpool leveled the ship with a much-needed 2-0 win over in-form Aston Villa – a result that restored some confidence at Anfield.
But the real turning point in Liverpool’s campaign may have come in Europe. Their 1-0 win over Real Madrid felt like a line in the sand. It was a performance full of discipline, intensity and belief. While the Reds are seven points behind leaders Arsenal at the time of writing, many now believe their best chance of major success this season lies in the Champions League.
And that is not an unreasonable argument. This Liverpool squad, despite its domestic problems, seems tailor-made for success in Europe.
A team built for the Champions League
Slot’s football – quick transitions, positional flexibility and intelligent pressing – seems more effective on the continental stage this season than in the tactical grind of the Premier League. European football tends to reward teams that play on instinct and movement rather than rehearsed routines and dominance.
New signing Florian Wirtz is a good example of this dynamic. The German playmaker found it difficult to adapt to the physical and tactical demands of the Premier League, which often left him at odds with the pace and structure of English football. Yet he thrived in the Champions League, registering two assists in four games and showing the kind of composure and creativity that first attracted Liverpool scouts.
It’s not just Wirtz. Liverpool’s side also looked much more comfortable in European competition overall. The slower pace, larger space and technical emphasis of continental football seem to suit the way Slot wants to play.
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The tactical divide
Slot has spoken out about the Premier League’s growing tactical obsession. In recent seasons, English football has seen a huge increase in innovation in set pieces – from free kicks to corner kicks and even throw-ins.
Brentford’s decision to promote coach Keith Andrews to manager following Thomas Frank’s move to Tottenham highlights just how integral these moments have become.
Manchester United also took advantage of this trend when they beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield earlier in the campaign, using long throw-ins and rehearsed restarts to disrupt Slot’s rhythm-based system.
In contrast, the Champions League offers a more fluid, open brand of football – one that rewards creativity and adaptability over precision in the moment. This fits perfectly with Liverpool’s DNA and Slot’s philosophy.
So, could they do it?
Liverpool have already proven they can beat the best – and if they can handle Real Madrid, few teams will intimidate them in Europe this season. The club’s Champions League history is unparalleled in English football, and under Slot they are starting to rediscover that old European swagger.
While the Premier League title race may be slipping from their grasp, the road to Budapest could provide the perfect stage for redemption.
On the current evidence, and with the right momentum, Liverpool could absolutely win the 2025/26 Champions League – and few would bet on them doing just that.
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