Liverpool are undoubtedly deserved Premier League champions but head coach Arne Slot needs to improve his squad in several areas if they are to retain their title next season
Now the hard work starts. For decades managers have warned that defending a title is harder than winning one.
And for Arne Slot that cliche firmly applies after a debut campaign beyond all pre-season dreams. Liverpool have been inarguably the Premier League ’s best team; consistent performers surrounded by erratic rivals.
But they cannot hope for the same come August as the chasing pack look to strengthen and avoid the mistakes that meant this title race was over long before the trees blossomed.
The signing of new deals by captain Virgil van Dijk and star man Mohamed Salah, who has enjoyed the most dazzling of seasons, may temper talk of the need for a competent overhaul.
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Yet Liverpool still require several additions if they are to retain the title for the first time since 1983-84 – not to mention renew an assault on Europe.
Jamie Carragher – albeit before news of both Van Dijk and Salah – recently claimed that Slot will need half a dozen new players in the summer. A dramatic number at first glance but for a relatively ageing group that has been barely refreshed in the past few years, not too far off the mark.
Van Dijk and Salah remaining is huge for next season but Liverpool’s recruitment boffins will already be looking at long-term replacements for both. So do not be surprised by at least an adoration at centre back, perhaps a younger player who can spend the first season learning from the club captain.
But the most pressing need will be at both full back positions and, assuming patience has finally run out with Darwin Nunez, a more clinical centre forward.
Assuming Trent Alexander-Arnold takes the big deal on offer at Real Madrid, it is a big ask for Conor Bradley to make the leap to being a regular. The Northern Ireland international, 21, has done little wrong when called upon but is yet to prove it consistently and has also been dealing with injuries.
On the other side Andrew Robertson has looked increasingly tired, with deputy Kostas Tsimikas not the long-term answer. A new left back will allow Robertson to continue with less pressure to be physically ready for two games a week.
Then there is the curious case of Nunez. His goal return has been hugely disappointing but from those few strikes there were vital efforts against Brentford and Southampton.
Nunez is unlikely to ever become prolific in the Premier League but equally Slot’s tactical approach is more amenable to wide forwards thriving with the central figure doing a lot of thankless work.
The midfield looks well set – though Carragher believes two more players are required to enhance the offering available to Slot – and the outstanding question among the goalkeepers is whether Caoimhin Kelleher, widely regarded as the best second-choice anywhere, seeks a move to a club where he’s the main man.
Rare is the decision to overhaul a title-winning squad but Liverpool, Slot and those up the chain will all know that to stand still will make another title push next season impossible.
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