It has been a sobering few days for Liverpool supporters.
After the optimism that had started to build under Andoni Iraola, two defeats in the space of four days have brought us crashing back down to earth.
A 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at Anfield was followed by an even more frustrating 3-2 Champions League loss against Fenerbahce in Istanbul. Two disappointing results, but perhaps more importantly, two performances that have exposed some uncomfortable truths about the strength of Liverpool’s squad.
There is no need to panic, but there are certainly reasons for concern.
The difference between our best XI and the alternatives is becoming obvious
One of the biggest problems facing Iraola is the lack of genuine depth in certain positions.
Liverpool have a very good starting eleven when everyone is available and performing, but the moment the manager needs to rotate, the quality and balance of the team can suffer.
The Fenerbahce game was a perfect example.
With the demanding fixture schedule taking its toll, Iraola made five changes, leaving Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo on the bench.
It was understandable that he wanted to freshen things up, but the resulting performance highlighted how difficult it is to maintain the same standards when some of our key players are missing.
Playing Bradley Barcola through the middle was an experiment that failed, while the defensive organisation was particularly concerning.
We cannot expect our first-choice players to play every minute of every game, but we should be able to make changes without the entire team looking so uncomfortable.
The defensive concerns are particularly worrying
The defeats against Arsenal and Fenerbahce have also highlighted problems that cannot simply be blamed on rotation.
Liverpool conceded three goals from set-pieces in Istanbul, including a free-kick, a corner and a long throw.
That is simply not good enough.
There were experienced players on the pitch, and the responsibility for defending those situations cannot always be placed on the younger members of the squad.
The absence of certain first-choice players shouldn’t mean we suddenly forget how to defend.
Iraola has plenty of work to do in this area, because Liverpool cannot continue giving opponents such cheap opportunities.
Too much responsibility on young shoulders?
There have been plenty of positives from our younger players this season.
Trey Nyoni has been excellent in recent weeks, Rio Ngumoha continues to excite, and there is genuine potential within this group.
However, there is a difference between introducing young players gradually and relying on them to carry significant responsibility.
Nyoni is a tremendous talent, but we cannot expect an 18-year-old midfielder to solve all our problems.
He needs experienced players around him, competition for places and the opportunity to develop without being overburdened.
The same applies to our other young talents.
Liverpool need to get the balance right between developing youngsters and having enough established quality to compete consistently.
January could be an important window
These two defeats shouldn’t suddenly change our expectations or undermine everything Iraola is trying to build.
There have been encouraging signs, and I still believe supporters need to give the manager time to develop his ideas.
However, this week has provided a reality check.
If Liverpool want to compete across multiple competitions, the squad needs more depth and greater reliability.
We cannot keep relying on the same players while hoping that injuries, fatigue and suspensions don’t catch up with us.
The January transfer window could be an opportunity to address some of those weaknesses, particularly in defensive areas and midfield.
It is not about signing players for the sake of it. It is about bringing in quality that genuinely improves the squad and allows Iraola to rotate without sacrificing so much.
A reality check, but not a reason to lose faith
Two defeats in four days are disappointing, particularly after the progress we had started to see.
The Arsenal game was frustrating, while the Fenerbahce defeat was a reminder that we still have some significant problems to address.
I don’t think Liverpool supporters should suddenly abandon their faith in Iraola, nor should we forget the positives from recent weeks.
But we also need to be realistic.
Our strongest starting eleven can compete with anybody, but having a good first eleven and having a squad capable of sustaining a challenge are two very different things.
This week has exposed that difference.
I remain hopeful about what Iraola can achieve at Anfield, but the club must recognise that the manager needs more quality at his disposal.
The reality has bitten this week. Liverpool have work to do, and the squad needs strengthening if we are serious about competing at the highest level.
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
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