Wirtz’s Premier League Struggle

Liverpool’s Summer Signings and Defensive Struggles

During the summer, Liverpool made significant moves in the attacking department by bringing in Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak to bolster their forward line alongside Mo Salah. However, Wirtz has struggled to make an impact this season, being substituted early for the seventh time this campaign. The £116 million Bundesliga star has not been able to showcase his usual flair, which has left fans and analysts questioning his adaptation to the Premier League.

On the positive side, players like Dominic Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have proven to be reliable options for Liverpool. Their strength, creativity, and goal-scoring ability have helped cover for Wirtz’s shortcomings. Despite this, the lack of consistency from Wirtz has raised concerns about his role in the team.

As a successful player at Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz was known for his ability to collect the ball in midfield, move past opponents, and deliver precise passes or take shots himself. This season, however, that Bundesliga skill has seemed to disappear. During the loss to Crystal Palace, he failed to make any meaningful contribution, with the physicality of the Premier League proving too much for him.

The main issue for Liverpool has been their defensive instability, which was clearly exposed by Crystal Palace last weekend. In training this week, Arne Slot focused on working with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahim Konate, M Kerkez, and Conor Bradley. Konate, in particular, has been a cause for concern. His form has dipped, and he has often been left behind by Palace forwards like Jean-Philippe Mateta, Yeremy Pino, and Ismaila Sarr during one-on-one situations.

Manchester United’s Struggles Under Amorim

Manchester United have yet to secure consecutive wins under Ruben Amorim, and many fans are growing frustrated with the manager’s excuses for poor results. After a 3-1 defeat, supporters were seen pointing to the badge on the players’ shirts and asking, “Where is your fight?” Some even gave rude hand gestures and shouted complaints at the team.

Brentford fans took the opportunity to sing their well-known chant directed at losing opposition coaches: “You’re getting sacked in the morning.” Amorim has claimed he still has the backing of the INEOS Group, citing improvements in chances created and shots on target. However, since taking over in November 2024, United have conceded the first goal in 21 Premier League matches, with six of those coming within the first ten minutes.

Amorim faced criticism for playing Mason Mount out of position as a left wing-back, a decision that has further eroded his relationship with the players. The dressing room has shown signs of frustration, with body language indicating a loss of faith in the manager.

After the match, Amorim responded to questions about his future by stating, “I am always comfortable in the job and I continue to give 100 per cent to my job. I’m never concerned about my job.” However, with Graham Potter being sacked at West Ham after 26% wins, Amorim’s 27% win rate may not be enough to keep his position for long.

Potential Managerial Changes and New Players

There are rumors that former Real Madrid and French legend Zinedine Zidane has been approached about a potential move to Manchester United. Additionally, ex-Barcelona player and manager Xavi has expressed interest in the club should Amorim be shown the door. Xavi has been without a club for a year now and could be a strong candidate if the situation changes.

Arsenal’s Contract Talks and Guardiola’s Tribute

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has expressed his desire for Bukayo Saka to follow William Saliba in signing a new contract. Saliba, along with Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Ethan Nwaneri, has already committed to the Gunners. Real Madrid showed interest in Saliba, but after discussions with Arteta, he decided to stay with Arsenal to help win the league this season.

In another development, Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Kyle Walker during his return to the Etihad. Walker, who spent eight years at Manchester City, won 14 major honours before moving to Burnley. Guardiola praised his consistency, professionalism, and contributions to the team, calling him “one of the greatest full backs ever.”

Liverpool Supports Diogo Jota’s Family

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have pledged to support Diogo Jota’s family following his tragic death in a car accident along with his brother. Arne Slot confirmed that FSG will look after Jota’s widow, Rute Carduso, and their three children. Jota’s weekly salary of £140,000 means his family will receive approximately £14 million over two years.