Florian Wirtz's Liverpool role has created more problems than it solved

"After defeat to Galatasaray, Arne Slot insisted his side are not so far off the level of last season, but on the evidence of the 10 games so far this campaign that is far from the reality. The Turkish side scored via a rather soft penalty, but they created further chances in a very similar fashion to how Crystal Palace had sliced open the Merseysiders in their 2-1 win four days earlier."

"Two consecutive defeats have ended a winning start to the season for the reigning Premier League champions, but the far from convincing performances before that means few observers are surprised. This is not a shock, it's been coming, said Jamie Carragher in his post-match analysis. (Image credit: Getty Images) Slot's first term as manager ended up not being a transitional season, with very little turn over in players and a style of play and system that followed on from Jurgen Klopp's."

"The problems appear to be numerous; Mo Salah is no longer involved as he was last season when he plundered 34 goals in all competitions; of the two right-back options neither seems to be the answer and instead a midfielder, Dominik Szoboszlai, has become the preferred option; Ryan Gravenberch is getting forward more but that's leaving the defence more exposed; Ibrahima Konate looks all at sea and incapable of playing the progressive passes from defence."

Liverpool lost to Galatasaray after conceding a soft penalty and allowing further chances created in a similar way to Crystal Palace's recent exploit. Two consecutive defeats ended a winning start and followed a series of unconvincing performances. A summer of mass change, with seven first-team signings and key departures, has turned this season into one of transition. Mohamed Salah is less involved than during his 34-goal campaign, right-back options have underperformed, and Dominik Szoboszlai has been used in midfield instead. Ryan Gravenberch's forward movement leaves the defence exposed, Ibrahima Konate struggles with progressive passes, and poor build-up has limited attacking opportunities.

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