Arne Slot’s Biggest Challenge Yet as Liverpool Face Season’s Defining Weeks | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Defining Period: Arne Slot’s Relentless Quest for Success

Arne Slot may have taken to English football with remarkable ease, but as Lewis Steele highlighted in The Daily Mail, the sheer relentlessness of the Premier League schedule has been his biggest challenge. After dominating Dutch football, Slot has found himself navigating an unrelenting fixture list, one that has seen Liverpool play 19 matches since the last international break. It is a test of endurance, one that many before him have struggled with, but his side remains in contention for silverware on all fronts.

No Time for Complaints – Liverpool’s Defining Period Awaits

As Steele put it, “No time for moaning, though. Keep calm and carry on. Because although 2025 has seen Liverpool further strengthen their quest for supremacy, it just keeps coming thick and fast. And the next 10 days or so will be the most pivotal of the season.”

First comes Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final, with Liverpool needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit. Steele rightly points out that “knowing what we know about Ange Postecoglou’s leaky team, they should win.” However, the unpredictability of football means nothing can be taken for granted, particularly if Spurs manage to score first.

Three days later, Liverpool face Plymouth in the FA Cup. Again, it should be a straightforward result, but as Steele cautions, “that old phrase, ‘magic of the FA Cup’ pops into mind.” Plymouth have lost just twice in their last eight matches, and with Home Park set to be in full voice, it will be no walkover.

That brings us to what could be the most significant domestic fixture in recent history—Liverpool’s final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park. With Everton rejuvenated under David Moyes, the challenge is clear. Steele notes that “the Toffees were sleepwalking to relegation when this game was first scheduled but have since sacked Sean Dyche and, ever since, have only looked forward.” The stakes are enormous, and Everton’s resurgence only adds another layer to an already momentous occasion.

Photo: IMAGO

Squad Strength Pivotal in the Quadruple Pursuit

Liverpool’s ability to challenge for four trophies hinges not just on quality, but on depth. Unlike last season, where injuries derailed their campaign, Steele emphasises how their situation has changed: “On Saturday, Federico Chiesa and Joe Gomez did not travel to Bournemouth just because they were not selected for the squad. There was zero injuries before the match.”

That level of squad depth stands in stark contrast to their rivals, many of whom are struggling to fill their substitutes’ benches. It could well be a decisive factor in Liverpool’s pursuit of honours.

Captain Virgil van Dijk remains cautious, however. “Why should we look at the table? It is February,” he said. “Big or close gap (on rivals), we just have to win our games. That is the only thing we have an influence on.” His words are a reminder that, despite the optimism, nothing is won in February.

Mentality Will Define Liverpool’s Season

Liverpool’s next three fixtures will set the tone for the remainder of the campaign. Slot’s men have at least 19 matches left and could play as many as 29. Steele acknowledges that it is “still far too premature to talk about the fabled Quadruple,” but given Liverpool’s form, they remain favourites across all four competitions.

The mentality in this squad, however, is focused solely on what is next. Van Dijk encapsulated the mindset perfectly: “Hard work. It starts with that and never settle for anything other than that. We have to work our socks off. Every game is difficult. Keep working, keep running and keep putting your body on the line.”

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s success this season will not be determined by hope but by the ability to execute under pressure. The next fortnight could shape everything, and as Steele concludes, “a few more victories in the next fortnight will have a significant bearing on where the honours go this year.”

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Lewis Steele’s analysis of Liverpool’s fixture congestion and title ambitions captures the essence of what makes English football unique—the relentlessness. Slot’s tactical adaptability has been impressive, but it is this fixture pile-up that will define his first season at Anfield.

The Carabao Cup semi-final is a must-win for Liverpool, not only to defend their title but to maintain momentum heading into a gruelling period. Tottenham’s defensive frailties should be exposed, but as Steele rightly points out, an early goal for Spurs could change everything.

Plymouth away in the FA Cup is the kind of fixture where top sides slip up. It is easy to dismiss League One opposition, but the high-energy nature of the fixture, combined with Liverpool’s demanding schedule, means Slot will need to rotate wisely.

As for the Goodison Park clash, Liverpool fans know all too well how these matches can derail seasons. That April defeat last year was, as Steele highlights, the moment Liverpool’s title challenge crumbled. Goodison’s last derby before Everton’s move to Bramley-Moore Dock will only add to the intensity, and Liverpool will need to be at their best.

One major positive for Liverpool is the depth of the squad. Unlike last season, where key injuries cost them dearly, the ability to leave players like Chiesa and Gomez out of a matchday squad without concerns highlights their strength. With Mohamed Salah back in the squad after AFCON duty, this side looks equipped to handle the challenges ahead.

Liverpool fans should take confidence in Steele’s assessment—this team is primed for success. However, nothing can be taken for granted. The next fortnight will shape this campaign, and if they emerge unscathed, then talk of the Quadruple may become more than just a dream.