Liverpool's post-season analysis has taken a decidedly somber turn, with the club's future direction under intense scrutiny following a run of results that has left supporters and pundits searching for answers.
On the latest edition of Media Matters for Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Lewis Steele dissected a Liverpool landscape that feels heavy with uncertainty. Davis set the tone early, noting how defeats seem to linger longer than usual these days, adding that there's "just not too much happiness to be found right now" around the club.
The conversation quickly turned to manager Arne Slot, who has faced growing criticism over tactical decisions and the team's overall direction. Steele didn't mince words, pushing back against what he sees as flawed arguments from some supporters. "One argument basically just completely undermines the role of the manager and the tactics," he said, emphasizing that coaches "are the most important people at the football club."
But Steele wasn't offering blind defense either. "If people want to defend Slot, then that's completely fine," he acknowledged, before adding that "some of the rationale behind it is just a bit all over the place." When Davis raised the concerning point that there's "zero evidence" to suggest next season will bring improvement, Steele found himself agreeing with the substance of that worry.
The most intriguing development came when the discussion shifted to potential backroom changes. Davis brought up the name Etienne Reijnen, noting that Slot "didn't shut it down" when asked about the possibility, instead acknowledging that "one had left in our coaching team, so one might have to come in."
Steele confirmed the buzz: "Yeah, it sounds like Etienne Reijnen is going to be coming to Liverpool, or at least he's going to be allowed to make the decision to come to Liverpool." He noted that Reijnen wasn't able to make the move back in 2024, suggesting this opportunity carries added significance.
However, Steele tempered expectations with honest caution. "I don't know much about him other than the conversations I have had about him," he admitted. "People say he's very good, but then I could get anyone to say that anyone's very good."
Steele connected the potential Reijnen appointment to a broader need for fresh energy within the club's structure. He speculated that Giovanni van Bronckhorst might end up at Feyenoord, questioning whether that still leaves a gap in Liverpool's setup—and whether Reijnen's arrival could be the shake-up the club needs to rediscover its competitive edge.