Liverpool’s 2025/26 campaign has ended in disappointment, and the accountability now rests firmly on the shoulders of Arne Slot.

Trying to lift their own spirits, The Kop sought solace by singing Bob Marley’s reassuring lyrics that ‘every little thing is gonna be alright’ as Liverpool’s difficult season drew to a close at Anfield.

After witnessing the departure of two players who had been instrumental in the club’s transformation into a side that conquered every major trophy over the past nine years, there was an undeniable feeling that an era had come to an end.

Half of the squad that Slot inherited just two years ago has now left, with more players expected to follow Mo Salah and Andy Robertson out of the door during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Kopites who remember the 1990s could be forgiven for feeling uneasy, as this situation bears resemblance to Graeme Souness’s reign, when he dismantled much of Kenny Dalglish’s ageing title-winning side in quick succession, only to be dismissed himself, ushering in a period of mediocrity.

That concern appears to be shared by Salah, who publicly expressed his worries as his remarkable nine-year spell at the club came to an end.

Liverpool stumbled to the finish line, concluding with a 1-1 draw against Brentford. The result secured Champions League qualification for next season but did little to inspire confidence, as the team failed to win any of their final four league fixtures.

Across their last 14 matches in all competitions, the Reds managed only four victories.

Let’s be clear: irrespective of mitigating circumstances, Liverpool’s season has been a major disappointment. Securing just 60 points and finishing fifth cannot be considered a success by any standard.

Last season, that total would have placed them ninth, outside of European qualification. Two seasons ago, it would have meant seventh place, again without Europe. Three years ago, ninth once more.

Indeed, 60 points marks the lowest tally to earn Champions League qualification since the 2003/04 campaign, when Gerard Houllier’s amicable departure from the club included a farewell photoshoot on the Anfield pitch.

Slot has insisted that he can win back fan support next season, but as the final whistle blew, much of the conversation among supporters focused on his demeanour after the match.

Perhaps his intentions were good—allowing the departing players their moment—but his decision to sit sullenly on the bench instead of joining the traditional post-match lap of appreciation did not go unnoticed.

It might have simply been reflection rather than detachment, yet for many fans, it symbolised a lack of connection and awareness from the head coach. The end-of-season walk is meant to be a mutual exchange of gratitude between players, manager, and supporters.

It was Slot’s chance to thank the fans who endured Liverpool’s lowest win percentage in a decade, with only 17 league victories. Instead, he remained isolated.

In contrast, Salah demonstrated his deep understanding of the club and its fans, telling Sky Sports: “They [the fans] don’t care that much about the result as long as you sweat and give your blood here, they’ll love you forever.”

Salah’s words captured the essence of Liverpool’s supporters—the importance of giving everything, of enduring challenges together. The Reds have indeed walked through a storm this season, especially after the tragic passing of Diogo Jota in pre-season.

In his post-match remarks, Slot summarised the campaign in a single word: “injury.”

On the surface, that is a valid grievance, but it contrasts sharply with his earlier statement in October when he said: “This is a decision we have made together, I completely believe in this, because if you have 25 [players] it’s very hard to manage your squad.”

One cannot have it both ways—preferring a small squad yet later blaming injuries and fatigue for poor results. With the expanded Champions League and the demanding Premier League schedule, larger squads are essential, particularly if new signings are not capable of playing twice a week for 90 minutes. So why was the squad left so thin?

Slot had said in October: “I like my squad so much. But we don’t have 25 or 26 [players], so if we end up with two, three or four injuries, 15 or 16 players, where Rio and Trey are two of these 15 or 16, then need to play almost all the minutes and then things can become complicated.”

Trey Nyoni, the highly rated 18-year-old midfielder who debuted under Jurgen Klopp at age 16, ended the season with just 21 minutes of league action. Federico Chiesa played only 318 league minutes, Wataru Endo just 170, and Under-21s captain Kieran Morrison—voted player of the season—was named on the bench 13 times but featured only once, for five minutes in an FA Cup win over Wolves.

In essence, Liverpool’s squad was smaller than it should have been, partly due to Slot’s reluctance to use younger players. The situation was further worsened by the club’s failure to secure Harvey Elliott’s return in January, despite desperately needing depth off the bench.

Slot has pointed out that Liverpool’s FA Cup and Champions League eliminations—both 4-0 defeats—came at the hands of eventual winners Manchester City and PSG, respectively. But such explanations will not satisfy fans who expect the club to compete for honours.

Even senior players like captain Virgil van Dijk, Robertson, Salah, and Curtis Jones have publicly acknowledged that the season fell below Liverpool’s standards.

“Being in Liverpool, winning something for Liverpool and winning games is the best thing that could happen to you all,” Salah said in a farewell message to his teammates at the AXA Training Centre.

Slot, while conceding that Champions League qualification represents “our lowest base,” pointed out that “big clubs like Chelsea and Tottenham are not able to qualify for Champions League or Europe [this season].”

Some fans viewed this as further proof of a growing disconnect and a lowering of expectations. Liverpool is a club that should always aim for the top trophies—anything less is failure, especially when heavy defeats accompany early exits.

Liverpool’s longest unbeaten spell this season was 13 games, following a 4-1 home loss to PSV. Yet even that run masked weaknesses, with underwhelming draws against Leeds (twice), Burnley and Fulham. Of those 13 matches, seven wins came against sides like Barnsley in the FA Cup and West Ham, who were later relegated.

Uncertainty looms large at Anfield this summer—not only regarding Slot’s future, with just one year left on his contract, but also that of decision-makers Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, whose deals also expire next summer.

Up to nine first-team players could depart: Salah, Robertson, Ibrahima Konate (out of contract), Chiesa, Endo, Curtis Jones (wanted by Inter Milan and likely to leave), Alisson (linked with Juventus), Joe Gomez (also entering his final year), and Alexis Mac Allister could all be sold for the right offer.

As things stand, Cody Gakpo is Liverpool’s current top scorer, with centre-back Virgil van Dijk ranking second.

Slot has admitted that another summer of change is ahead, though he insists it won’t be as “drastic” as the previous one. Yet with so many departures expected, significant rebuilding is inevitable.

The Kop may have sung not to worry, but plenty of Liverpool fans will spend their summer deeply concerned about the club’s direction.