Liverpool Season Preview: Title Defense Time

The 2025-26 season dawns with Liverpool carrying both a crown and a heavy heart. The tragic loss of Diogo Jota, who passed away in a car accident on July 3, 2025, at the age of 28, has left an indelible mark on the club and its supporters. Jota, whose number 20 has been retired across all levels in his honor, was more than a clinical finisher; his infectious energy and knack for decisive goals, 65 in 182 appearances, made him a beloved figure at Anfield.

As reigning Premier League champions, having clinched a 20th English title under Arne Slot last season, the Reds now embark on a campaign to honor Jota’s legacy. With new signings, a blockbuster pre-season, and a hunger to defend their crown, Liverpool are poised for a thrilling ride in the Premier League and an expanded UEFA Champions League. This season is about more than trophies – it’s about carrying Jota’s spirit forward.

---

2024/25 – A New Era Under Arne Slot

Arne Slot’s debut season was a triumph, delivering a Premier League title with a 10-point cushion over Arsenal. Stepping into Jürgen Klopp’s colossal shadow, Slot blended disciplined pressing with controlled possession, leading Liverpool to score in every away match – a first for the club.

His 4-2-3-1 system unlocked new levels in players like Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai, while his calm leadership steadied the ship. Now, Slot faces the challenge of sustaining that momentum while paying tribute to Jota’s memory through a relentless, attacking style that defined the Portuguese star’s time at Anfield. The departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid after 20 years with the club stings, but Slot’s squad remains robust. With fresh faces and a renewed sense of purpose, Liverpool are ready to evolve while staying true to their high-octane roots.

Squad Overhaul: New Blood, New Vibes

Liverpool’s summer transfer window reflects ambition. Florian Wirtz, the German playmaker, headlines the arrivals, bringing creativity to the midfield. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak is rumoured to join, potentially forming a lethal front three with Salah and new €90m signing Hugo Ekitike. Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez strengthens the left-back spot, while Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong adds flair on the right. Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili, secured last summer, bolsters the goalkeeping ranks long-term.

Departures loom, though. Darwin Núñez is linked with Napoli and Al Hilal, while Luis Diaz is headed off to Bayern Munich. Federico Chiesa’s role is unclear, and Ben Doak may head out on loan.

Yet, with Virgil van Dijk and Salah locked in with new contracts, and youngsters like Rio Ngumoha, who became Liverpool’s youngest-ever FA Cup player at 16.

Pre-Season: Asia Adventures and Tactical Tweaks

Liverpool’s pre-season is a global spectacle. After some domestic games, the global section kicked off with a 4-2 loss in a clash with AC Milan in Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium on July 26. Yokohama FC are the next challengers. Then, they face Athletic Bilbao at Anfield on August 4 in a double-header, sending fans into the season with a roar.

These games are a platform for Slot to integrate Wirtz and Kerkez, test his 4-2-3-1, and give youngsters like Ngumoha and Tyler Morton minutes. The Asia tour reconnects with Liverpool’s global fanbase while refining pressing triggers and build-up play.

Premier League: A Brutal Opening Salvo

The fixture list throws Liverpool into the deep end. They open at Anfield against Bournemouth on August 15. Newcastle away follows, then Arsenal visit on August 30. By mid-November, Liverpool face all six of last season’s top seven, including Manchester City on November 8 and Chelsea on October 4. The Merseyside derby against Everton on September 20 at Anfield is an early highlight, with the return leg at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium on April 18.

The festive period offers a touch of respite with home games against Wolves on December 27 and Leeds on January 1. Squad rotation will be key. The season closes against Brentford at Anfield on May 24, 2026, with all matches kicking off simultaneously for maximum drama.

Champions League

As champions, Liverpool enter the UEFA Champions League’s league phase, drawn on August 28. The 36-team format means eight unique opponents, four home, four away, all before the knockouts. Pot one status ensures some winnable ties, but the schedule’s intensity demands depth. The final will be in Budapest’s Puskas Arena on May 30. Last season’s exit to Paris Saint-Germain stung, but it highlighted areas to strengthen. With Wirtz’s vision and Salah’s goals, Liverpool can go deep.

Domestic Cups: Chasing More Silverware

Liverpool enter the FA Cup and EFL Cup at the third round. The FA Cup draw on January 10-11 offers a chance to build on Ngumoha’s breakout debut last season. The EFL Cup, starting in September, sees Liverpool join late due to European commitments. Last season’s final against Newcastle was electric, and Slot will target another deep run.

The Community Shield on August 10 against Crystal Palace at Wembley is a chance to set the tone. These competitions allow Slot to blood youngsters and rest stars, but early upsets must be avoided to keep the trophy hunt alive.

Key Players to Watch

Mohamed Salah, freshly re-signed, remains the heartbeat, his pace and finishing evoking Jota’s clinical edge. Florian Wirtz could redefine the midfield, while Virgil van Dijk anchors the defense. Milos Kerkez’s potential arrival strengthens the left, and Dominik Szoboszlai aims to build on his breakout campaign. Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, both stepping into Alexander-Arnold’s role, and Harvey Elliott’s versatility add depth. If Isak signs, his flair could elevate the attack. Rio Ngumoha, with his fearless FA Cup cameo, is a wildcard to watch.

Slot’s Next Steps

Slot’s 4-2-3-1 blends high pressing with possession, but Wirtz’s arrival may spark more intricate attacking patterns. Frimpong’s pace on the right and Kerkez’s solidity on the left compensate for Alexander-Arnold’s exit. Mamardashvili’s sweeper-keeper style, when he joins, enhances build-up play. Pre-season will reveal his tweaks to keep defenses guessing.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by 365Scores (@365scores)

Challenges and Expectations

Sustaining last season’s intensity is the biggest hurdle. Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea lurk. Injuries could disrupt momentum, making depth crucial. Expectations are lofty: a title defense, a deep Champions League run, and a domestic cup would mark a stellar season. Slot must manage egos and fatigue while channeling Jota’s spirit into every performance. The Reds aren’t just defending a title – they’re chasing immortality in Jota’s name.

---

By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)

Keep up with all the latest football news and Liverpool news on 365Scores!

Liverpool – Fan Poll: