RBM

Just look what I have to deal with

More excuses, more not down to me, not my fault, I’m working miracles with what I’ve got. Is this a David Lynch film about a football manager I’m in?

Oh wow! Just wow! We’re better not being in Europe now! Brexit Slot

a*** puppets

Nice they’ve all had the day off today to prepare

By James Pearce April 16, 2026Updated 9:47 am GMT+1 A big summer for Liverpool just got more complicated after the extent of Hugo Ekitike’s injury was laid bare. The French striker’s absence is set to stretch into next season after a suspected ruptured Achilles tendon in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final defeat by Paris Saint-Germain. There are fears that it could be 2027 before he plays again. It’s the latest in a long line of painful setbacks that have blighted Liverpool’s troubled campaign. Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and Wataru Endo all suffered season-ending injuries, while record signing Alexander Isak missed nearly four months due to a broken fibula. Alisson and Jeremie Frimpong have also had significant spells on the sidelines. With established stars in decline and many new recruits struggling to live up to their hefty price tags, weaknesses in Arne Slot’s depleted squad have been repeatedly exposed. A dismal tally of 17 defeats in all competitions tells the story. There was already much to sort out in the transfer market this summer, given that they will be losing a huge amount of experience and leadership with the departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson. Now there’s the added headache of trying to fill the void created by the extended absence of their 17-goal top scorer. It would be wildly optimistic to believe that Isak can shoulder that burden alone. Uncertainty reigns. How much Liverpool will have to spend this summer will be influenced by whether they go on to secure the riches that come with Champions League qualification. If they miss out on a top-five Premier League finish, then the clamour for Slot to be replaced will be hard for owner Fenway Sports Group (FSG) to ignore. Eyebrows were raised after Tuesday’s game when Slot told Prime Video: “This model of the club means that we have to sell, usually, to buy, so it’s a big challenge. It was already a big challenge last season, and it’s going to be a challenge in the summer again. But the club has already shown many times that this model works.” It would be disingenuous to suggest Liverpool rely on generating money from offloading players in order to land their top transfer targets. It’s not ‘sell to buy’, but internally, the Anfield hierarchy talks about buying well and selling well to buy again Last summer, they embarked on a record-breaking £450million ($610m at current exchange rates) spending spree and raised around £224m from sales, when you factor in performance-related add-ons. It was their highest net spend in a transfer window in their history. But the scale of that investment in young talent was also regarded by FSG as a one-off, and this summer, Liverpool will have fewer valuable assets that could realistically be sold in order to swell the kitty. They have already committed £60m to the signing of French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, who will arrive from Rennes for the start of pre-season in July. So what are the other priorities they need to address if Liverpool are to challenge for the biggest prizes again next season? Goalkeepers Long a position of strength for Liverpool, it’s now one of concern. Alisson has missed 13 Premier League and Champions League matches so far this season due to fitness issues. He’s expected to return to action at the start of May. Last month, Liverpool triggered their one-year option to keep the 33-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper at Anfield until the summer of 2027. It means he’s likely to remain as the club’s No 1 for one final season — unless his head is turned by an offer from elsewhere. He has previously snubbed interest from the Saudi Pro League. Liverpool believed they had bought the perfect long-term successor for Alisson when they paid Valencia £29m for Giorgi Mamardashvili. However, the Georgia international has endured a mixed first season at the club. Some of his shot-stopping has been impressive, but he’s nervy with the ball at his feet, and his wayward distribution has, at times, put the team under pressure. At 25, he’s still relatively young in goalkeeping terms, but the jury is out. He needs to raise the bar next season. In terms of backup, Liverpool must decide whether to keep third-choice Freddie Woodman beyond this season. Vitezslav Jaros is recovering from the serious knee injury he suffered on loan at Ajax, while the club have high hopes for young Hungarian goalkeeper Armin Pecsi. Defence Much hinges on whether Ibrahima Konate finally pens an extension. The France international’s current deal expires at the end of June. If Konate stays, then the squad will be well stocked at centre-back. Captain Virgil van Dijk has one more year on his contract before his expected farewell, while Liverpool have Leoni coming back from injury and Jacquet joining from Rennes. If Konate departs, there will be a gap that has to be filled. Joe Gomez has come close to leaving a few times in recent years, and once again, there’s a decision to be made about his future. He’s out of contract in 2027, and this summer will effectively be the last chance to get a fee for him. Right-back throws up another dilemma recruitment-wise. Conor Bradley was long viewed as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s natural heir. The Northern Irishman’s talent is undeniable, but injuries have continued to hamper his development. Bradley is currently recovering from season-ending knee surgery sustained in January. Frimpong has had a stop-start first campaign at Anfield due to recurring hamstring problems. The Dutchman is an asset going forward, but he has struggled defensively. Too often, Dominik Szoboszlai has been forced into duty as a makeshift right-back this season, and that’s only served to weaken the midfield. It can’t happen next season, so another option would be useful. Calvin Ramsay, whose only two outings have been in the domestic cups, is set to move on. On the left, Milos Kerkez has been one of the few success stories, with the Hungarian overcoming a tough start following his move from Bournemouth to firmly establish himself in the side. He’s endeared himself to supporters with the character he’s shown. Liverpool will either have to buy a backup left-back to replace Robertson, or the cheaper, short-term option would involve using Kostas Tsimikas in that role next season. The Greece international will be returning from a loan spell at Roma. Midfield The midfield quartet of Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, and Ryan Gravenberch were pivotal to last season’s Premier League title triumph. However, only Szoboszlai has hit the same heights this time around. The drop-off in Mac Allister’s form has been the most pronounced. The World Cup winner, who has two years left on his contract, recently said no discussions were taking place with the club over an extension. The Athleticreported earlier this year that he is “well-liked” at Real Madrid. Jones has cut a frustrated figure at times, only starting twice in the Premier League since mid-January. Liverpool dismissed an approach from Serie A outfit Inter shortly before the January transfer deadline. The academy graduate only has one more season on his contract and Liverpool won’t want to risk losing him for nothing in 2027. Will either Mac Allister or Jones depart? It depends on what offers are forthcoming. Gravenberch is certainly going nowhere, having penned a new six-year contract last month, while talks with Szoboszlai over a new deal are ongoing. Liverpool remain convinced about the wisdom of buying Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee potentially rising to £116m and believe he will kick on next season after getting to grips with the intensity of the Premier League. Teenage midfielder Trey Nyoni ideally needs a loan to boost his development, while Endo is likely to stay for the final year of his contract as a squad player unless he pushes for a move in search of more game time. If Slot keeps his job, it’s hard to see Harvey Elliott forcing his way into contention when he returns from an unhappy loan spell at Aston Villa. Liverpool won’t be receiving the £35m they initially expected from Villa for the move to become permanent, and his inactivity won’t have enhanced his value. This season has been a write-off for Stefan Bajcetic due to injury, and it’s now nearly two years since the Spain youth international made his last appearance for the club. Liverpool have been bullied at times this season, and their midfield department could do with an injection of physicality and quality this summer. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton would be expensive but attractive options. Attack There were major changes to Liverpool’s front line last summer. Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez were both sold, while there was also the tragic death of Diogo Jota. With Wirtz bought to provide creativity as the No 10, the signings of Isak and Ekitike were supposed to complement the firepower provided by Salah. It hasn’t worked out how anyone envisaged. Salah’s output dwindled to such an extent that he was dropped by Slot and then initiated talks that led to the final year of his contract effectively being ripped up. The legendary Egyptian is guaranteed an Anfield send-off next month in recognition of his heroics, but this isn’t the way he wanted to bow out. Remarkably, Tuesday night was the first time the £320m trio of Isak, Ekitike and Wirtz had started a game together at Anfield. It lasted just 28 minutes before Ekitike went down in agony. It means they have been on the field for only 116 minutes together this season. Ekitike has been the pick of the attackers, with 17 goals in all competitions. In contrast, Isak has only scored three times in 19 appearances (11 starts). Having netted 18 times in 2024-25, Cody Gakpo only has eight goals to his name this season. Too predictable and lacking confidence, he’s gone backwards in terms of performance levels. Gakpo looks set to stick around, but he can’t afford another campaign like this one. The rise of Rio Ngumoha has been a delight to watch, and the teenager is destined to be a regular starter in the future. Liverpool have been crying out for more pace in wide areas. Federico Chiesa had his moments earlier in the season, but they’re a distant memory. Four of his five starts have been in the domestic cups, and a parting of the ways this summer makes sense for everyone. Academy striker Jayden Danns is highly rated but he’s had another season heavily disrupted by hamstring injuries and only made one appearance off the bench in the League Cup. With Salah leaving, Chiesa set to follow, Ekitike a long-term absentee, and question marks over Isak’s ability to stay fit and consistently deliver, Liverpool need to invest heavily once again in their front line. A dynamic right-winger is a must if they are going to be equipped to break down low blocks and, ideally, another versatile forward who can play centrally at least while Ekitike is sidelined.

I use the Lovren scale for central defenders. Is he better or worse than Lovren? Will he sit under a blanket like ET? And he’s from Bournemouth of course. Are we back to only being able to send scouts as far as the south coast again? Just to really give the authentic Rodgers era feel.

Feels like we are being dragged back to pre-Klopp, like the period from 2015-2024 was an alternative timeline, and we’re just carrying on with the mediocrity set by Rodgers, Edwards et al. They seem desperate to erase everything Klopp did.

Need to replace Diaz Need to replace Salah Need to replace Robertson Need cover for Ekitike Need a proper right back Need a replacement for Gomez Need a proper defensive midfielder Need a new goalkeeper Need a new manager Need a new Director of football Need a new CEO

What do they think is going to be outcome with the fan base if they stick with him? Are they happy for us to be seen with a half empty stadium for 25 minutes every game? Booing the team? Not sure they care about us going it more the effect that has on potential sponsors.

Insanity, got to wonder what they are watching

Looks like some are asking questions about the massive bald fraud, but not strongly enough and too many excuses Lewis Steele There are two ways of losing 2-0. Last week in Paris, Liverpool were left battered and bruised and it was fair to question whether Arne Slot was the man to halt the spiraling slump and dig them out of this hole. Fans worried that the gap between their team and Europe’s elite was seismic. This week on Merseyside, there were green shoots of positivity. Belief that with a few minor tweaks, next year could see the Reds get back to the top table once more. Supporters would have left Anfield still cursing but pleased with what they saw. Those present at a sodden spring evening here in L4 would have departed feeling proud of their team. It was in complete contrast to those returning from the French capital last week looking forward to the season being over, such was the plight of this side. It soon will be. All of a sudden, a season that promised so much – don’t forget, these are the English champions who spent a record-breaking £450m and were heavily fancied to go back to back – has just six games remaining. There is no hiding that this has been a tricky second album after a smash hit for Slot last season. The way that Liverpool went toe-to-toe with PSG last year and then went backwards in the 13 months since is a huge worry and questions over the head coach’s role in that are fair. But although Liverpool had bright moments on home soil, they were still thoroughly outplayed Slot, as he has so often this season, will have left the stadium on Tuesday night questioning what could have been. On another night, they would have put away one of their chances and who knows what might have happened from there. On another night, Marquinhos would not have made an inch-perfect interception after a reflex stop from Matvei Safonov to deny Milos Kerkez. On another night, Italian referee Maurizio Mariani would have stood firm on his original decision to give Liverpool a penalty. Striker Hugo Ekitike would not have gone down injured and needed to be stretchered off which scuppered Slot’s planned in-game changes. Ousmane Dembele might not have taken his first real sight of goal and the hopes of a comeback would not have been extinguished so early. But these are all hypotheticals and there have been too many of those for Slot and Co this year. Realistically, it was a shambolic first 90 minutes in Paris that undid Liverpool. Despite flurries of exciting play at Anfield, the European champions were far superior for the majority of this tie. Are they better than the team that romped to the crown last year? Probably not, to be honest, but they seem to be easing themselves into the competition much like Novak Djokovic normally coasts through the early rounds of a major on auto-pilot. Vitinha is majestic, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele is a phenomenal footballer and the wingers – be it the starters or substitute Bradley Barcola here – are a joy to watch. They have added steel at the other end of the pitch so why not back them to go back-to-back? Saying all that, Liverpool could have got something. ‘Could’ is the key word there, of course, but this 90 minutes, in theory, should give them confidence that things can be better. Sadly, though, the same old issues are haunting them. Two minutes in the first half rather summed it up. First, Kerkez had a shot well saved by Safonov and veteran defender Marquinhos somehow swooped the loose ball away from Virgil van Dijk. It was the closest Liverpool came and it left the stadium gasping at how it didn’t go in. The next minute, Ekitike was on the ground in agony after going down unchallenged. He needed to be stretchered off and there are now fears his 2026 could be derailed, though we must await a more definite verdict following scans. It is an almighty blow for the poor lad. Hugo Ekitike's injury epitomises the Reds' awful luck with injuries during the 2025-26 season Missed chances and injuries have plagued Liverpool this year. Surely those sorts of things will be more kind to them next season… surely? The fact that Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have played together for just 119 minutes in total highlights this issue. Just as Isak returns to full fitness for the first time in the best part of a year, Ekitike goes down. It is typical. Not to absolve Slot of any blame for this torrid season, mind. Despite the scoreline at Anfield flattering the visitors, 4-0 on aggregate is fair given the way both matches went. Liverpool were lucky to even have a smidgen of hope going into this return leg. Injuries and that profligacy in front of goal are certainly mitigating factors – tactics can coach build-up play but can’t legislate for the fine margins of these continued missed chances – but it is hard to be too sympathetic to a team that spent £450million. Same goes for a team that seemingly does not learn from its problems and continues to have the same old issues be put forward as excuses for defeats. It was the same issue in September as it is now in mid-April. As this season peters towards a close, Liverpool are left with more questions than answers.

“Dominic King Liverpool players have an attitude problem and PSG defeat proves it Improved display by Arne Slot’s side will frustrate fans after season of baffling collapses” “The scene, in those final rain-sodden moments, was depressingly familiar. Swathes of empty red seats, a line of supporters trudging solemnly to the exits and a group of players, many with hands on hips, looking like it was all too much. A 17th defeat for Liverpool, a statistic that has only stoked the coals for those with an insatiable appetite for managerial change. It’s a preposterously high number, a stain on this squad’s ability, and it was inevitable that it led to a line of questioning. This time, however, the questions were different. Here was the first: judged on what Liverpool demonstrated in the opening 72 minutes against Paris St-Germain, Europe’s finest troupe, how are they the only team to have failed to beat Tottenham in their last eight domestic matches?” “And here’s another: given what was on show during a frenzied spell before half-time, when the great Brazil defender Marquinhos flung himself in front of Virgil van Dijk to stop a certain goal and haul PSG off the ropes, how did Liverpool allow themselves to submerge away at Wolves? Neither of those results should have happened. Nor should they have lost to Brighton, been pummelled at home by Nottingham Forest, slipped up at Bournemouth or failed to beat Leeds and Burnley at Anfield. When you look through Liverpool’s results, all you can see are acts of vandalism. All this was in your mind before PSG arrived. Luis Enrique’s team had humiliated Liverpool in Paris, in the same way Manchester City had hung, drawn and quartered them in the FA Cup and they were likely to do more of the same. Nobody really believed the 10th anniversary of a remarkable comeback against Borussia Dortmund would be celebrated with another of those famous nights; there was never any real momentum of Liverpool doing to PSG what they did to Barcelona in 2019. But then the game started. Liverpool’s press was intense, their passes were delivered with zip and, occasionally, they extricated” “True, but not many – if any – of Europe’s elite take false steps when they are expected to stride forward purposefully. PSG don’t slip up against Le Havre or Strasbourg or Rennes. They take care of the simple things as and when they should. There were points as Liverpool chased, before the outstanding Ousmane Dembélé punctured the atmosphere, when you looked and thought they might win four or five of their final six Premier League games. But would you trust them to do it? No chance. Trust is hard-earned. Liverpool, starting when they cross town on Sunday to face Everton, have questions about their attitude. How they answer them will determine how the summer plays out.” .

Liverpool competed against PSG but it wasn’t enough. They need major surgery James Pearce There was pride in defeat for Liverpool as their hopes of Champions League glory were extinguished. The applause after the final whistle on Tuesday night and the defiant chants of an appreciative Kop spoke to a gutsy performance against Paris Saint-Germain. Having been lucky to only lose 2-0 in France in a one-sided quarter-final first leg six days earlier, Arne Slot’s side were desperately unfortunate to be beaten by the same scoreline at Anfield. Their tally of 21 shots (compared to PSG’s 12) was their most attempts without scoring in a Champions League game since the 1-0 defeat by Real Madrid in the 2022 final. The hosts also had 50 touches in the opposition’s box compared to 24 and created an xG (expected goals) of 1.94 versus 1.25. “I think we made a lot of progress compared to last week,” Slot told reporters post-match. “I have to give a lot of credit to the players for how hard they worked. I also have to give a lot of credit to our fans for how they helped us to execute our game plan with the high press as they kept pushing us. “We’re very disappointed because I think there were times in the second half where you could feel: ‘If we can score now, this is going to become a special night’. Not many teams can be dominant against PSG and generate so many chances as we did.” Here was Liverpool’s troubled, trophyless season in microcosm. The lack of a clinical edge cost them dear before Ousmane Dembele punished some slack defensive work from Alexis Mac Allister with a ruthless finish 18 minutes from time. The Ballon d’Or winner slotted home his second of the night on the counter-attack late on. It’s been a campaign full of painful blows for Liverpool and there was another for their collection when 17-goal top-scorer Hugo Ekitike departed on a stretcher with a suspected Achilles injury before the break. Slot said he fears the French striker’s season is over. That will place a big responsibility on the shoulders of record signing Alexander Isak to finally start repaying that £125million fee as the focus turns to trying to secure Champions League qualification in the six remaining Premier League matches. With the Merseyside derby away at Everton next up on Sunday, this is no time for anyone to be feeling sorry for themselves. Slot bemoaned the decision by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani to overturn the penalty he had initially awarded for a foul by Willian Pacho on Mac Allister just after the hour mark, and he had a point. It was soft but it was certainly clumsy by Pacho. “I’ve conceded a few of these penalties this season and I could name them all for you — starting with Brentford away and Leeds away,” he added. “If a penalty has been given and VAR says, ‘I see contact’, then they should stick with the on-field decision. I wasn’t surprised this went against us, but it’s not the story of the game.” However, Slot should also reflect on how he got his team selection wrong. There had been nothing in Isak’s two brief substitute appearances since recovering from a broken fibula after nearly four months out to suggest he was sharp enough to start a game of this magnitude, and so it proved. The Swedish striker had just five touches in the space of 45 minutes before being replaced by Cody Gakpo. Isak sent a header straight at goalkeeper Matvei Safonov early on before failing to convert a chance created by Ryan Gravenberch when his blushes were spared by the offside flag after mistiming his run. The Isak gamble didn’t pay off. Initially overlooked by Slot, Mohamed Salah came on for the injured Ekitike but was erratic on what proved to be the last European appearance of his gilded Liverpool career. He created four chances but lost possession 22 times — more than anyone on either side. Holding back young Rio Ngumoha until the final quarter of the contest made little sense given that the hosts were crying out for an injection of pace and dynamism. The teenage winger simply has to start against Everton. The bizarre sight of Joe Gomez being subbed on and then subbed off 20 minutes later was explained by him informing the bench he felt some muscle tightness. Slot, for his part, was trying to be upbeat in the aftermath. “The future looks very bright for this team,” he insisted. “We’ve shown that we can compete with the champions of Europe.” Liverpool did compete last night, but the fact is they were hopelessly outclassed in Paris last week and the 4-0 aggregate scoreline points to the chasm that’s opened between the sides since last season’s last-16 meeting when PSG advanced on penalties. Many supporters understandably don’t share Slot’s optimism about the future, given that this was their 17th defeat of the season in all competitions. The regression from a year ago when Liverpool were on the brink of winning the Premier League title has been stark. Pitting yourself against Europe’s best tends to highlight weaknesses and question marks remain against so many of last summer’s signings. Florian Wirtz failed to step up in either of the legs against PSG. It’s not his fault that he cost a fee rising to £116m but with that kind of price tag comes big expectations that he’s not even close to meeting. He was massively outshone by Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue. Jeremie Frimpong struggled in the first half to such an extent that he was hooked off at the break, and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, whose kicking especially is a big concern, continues to look a big downgrade on Alisson. With Giovanni Leoni injured and Isak floundering either side of his fitness issues, only Milos Kerkez and Ekitike have really justified the faith Liverpool showed when they embarked on last year’s record-breaking spending spree. Throw in Salah, Mac Allister and Gakpo losing their way, and it’s not hard to see why Liverpool find themselves in their current predicament. Owner Fenway Sports Group must decide to what extent Slot has been the victim of circumstance or whether he’s simply made a tricky situation considerably worse by his tactical decisions and man-management. Champions League qualification — or the lack of it — is bound to resonate in Boston. With Salah and Andy Robertson leaving as free agents, another huge summer at Anfield awaits. Federico Chiesa is also expected to depart. Doubts remain over Gomez and Curtis Jones, given they only have one year remaining on their deals. There’s still no clarity over Ibrahima Konate as talks continue over extending a contract that ends in June. Is it time to cash in on Mac Allister, in light of his downturn? This is a squad once again in need of major surgery. There are glaring gaps that have to be plugged. “This model of the club means that we have to sell, usually, to buy, so it’s a big challenge,” Slot told Prime Video. “It was already a big challenge last season and it’s going to be a challenge in the summer again. “But the club has already shown many times that this model works and we can be very successful with this model. The future looks very good especially if we can add a few good signings after good players leaving as well.” While it’s hard to see them generating much from sales, Liverpool need the riches of competing among Europe’s elite to help pay for the next stage of the rebuild. There was pride in defeat to PSG, but Slot’s Liverpool were also found wanting. Qualifying for the Champions League was always the minimum requirement and now it’s suddenly all that can be salvaged from a season of missteps.

Unreliable narrator, re-writing history at his own convenience to present himself in a better light. Takes no ownership or respond for anything, now he’s also lowering expectations ahead of next season very much in the mould of Roy Hodgson. He's trying to establish a history and perspective of 2015 onwards very different from that we know existed. The downplaying of Klopps achievements and teams to promote himself is outrageous and deplorable, also treats us like idiots as though we didn’t live through it and experience how fantastic that was and how miserable his management has been this season.

Offer Gakpo as a freebie.

Neither was Hodgson to be fair. I think they were hoping to get to the end of the season with him but the fans were so hostile they had to act. Rodgers is the template here, and add Jedward and Toryboy into the mix and we are in a perfect s***storm of incompetence and inertia.

He’s getting worse. He’s much worse than last season, and worse than the last one under Klopp. He’s f***ing useless. Yes others have been s***, but Gakpo is the absolute pits. Cysts inside and blasts it at the first defender over and over, won’t pass it to the full back l. Same thing every time. Every defender he’s up against knows exactly what he’ll do. But he’s picked over and over and over again. He’s endemic of everything wrong with this team. In short he’s f***ing s***.

They aren’t bothered, the asset won’t shed a great deal of value unless we are relegated. They’ll just adjust the budget accordingly. It’ll only start biting them once sponsors start to disappear and revenue drops. They aren’t bothered going nowhere. Look at the Boston Red Sox if you want any indication of what their motives are and how they’ll treat the club. Absentee landlords. Get used to it. He’ll get sacked at some point next season much like Rodgers but no Klopp this time to step in. We’ll be scraping the barrel when it happens.

He’s f***ing s***. Absolute gash. He offers absolutely nothing, but he’s Dutch so he’s untouchable

2 of them are leaving because of you George Dawes, you don’t play one of them and you’ve tried to humiliate the other. The third hasn’t played for us this season