Liverpool begin their Champions League campaign tonight against Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
But while the focus will be on the players on the pitch, the real story may be happening behind the scenes. Manager Arne Slot is reportedly ready to take a new approach to Europe’s top competition after last season’s bitter exit.
Slot’s first year in charge was a dream in many ways. Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy and looked strong across all competitions.
But the Champions League left a sour taste. The Reds won seven of their eight group matches and still found themselves knocked out in the round of 16 by PSG on penalties.
That defeat still stings, and Slot has called it the “most disappointing” moment of his season.
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A twist in the plan for Champions League?
The Dutchman seems determined not to repeat the same mistakes. Reports (via The Athletic) suggest he will rotate his squad more this winter, spreading minutes across his full team rather than relying too heavily on a small group.
Last year, he used just 22 players in the group stage, with six featuring in every game. The toll of that schedule, combined with the relentless Premier League title chase, left little room for recovery when PSG struck.
This time, the plan appears to be clear: keep legs fresh and minds sharp for the knockout rounds. That could mean bigger roles for fringe players and less predictable lineups in Europe.
For fans used to seeing the same core week in and week out, it might feel unusual, but Slot’s gamble is aimed at going further in the tournament.
Liverpool fans know all too well that Champions League glory often requires both brilliance and balance.
If Slot’s new strategy works, it might just give them the best chance of lifting the trophy again. But if it backfires, critics will quickly remind him that rotation can cut both ways.
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Liverpool under Arne Slot – by the numbers
| Competition / Role | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | PPM | Stage Reached |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Competitions | 61 | 42 | 10 | 9 | 2.21 | PL Champions |
| Champions League (24/25) | 10 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 2.40 | Round of 16 |