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Liverpool’s ‘Mentality Monsters’ culture weakened under Arne Slot, and the departure of Mohamed Salah could prove disastrous; Andoni Iraola faces a huge job.

A fresh chapter is beginning at Anfield once more. Arne Slot’s two-year spell came to an end after a dreadful campaign that brought 19 defeats across all competitions, and Andoni Iraola has now been tasked with restoring the attacking identity Liverpool supporters expect.

Iraola’s Bournemouth side certainly showed those traits. The Basque coach implemented an aggressive, progressive approach, built around quick, direct wingers, a high defensive line and pressing from the front.

Sound familiar? Liverpool fans are hoping for football in the mould of Jurgen Klopp, having become frustrated by Slot’s slow build-up and passive style. Iraola struck an upbeat tone in his first message to supporters, saying: “I can only say I want to become one of you; to earn the right to belong.” That alone has helped bring back some optimism after a difficult year.

Even so, Liverpool will look very different following the exits of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate – a hugely important trio not only on the pitch, but within the club as well.

New leaders must emerge, because nine players from the title-winning squad of just over a year ago have already moved on.

No one is expecting a title push in Iraola’s first season, but a return to more attractive football and visible signs of a clear identity will be required quickly.

There are also concerns over the lack of silverware on his managerial CV, as well as his absence of coaching experience in European competition.

Andoni Iraola is only Liverpool’s 22nd manager in 134 years, underlining how significant a call it was to part company with Slot so early. But Iraola brings the kind of exciting football supporters felt they had lost, while his Basque background means he can relate to the city’s outsider mentality.

Virgil van Dijk is now 35, yet he played every minute of Liverpool’s league campaign in 2025-26 before then going to the World Cup. With Giovanni Leoni, 19, and inexperienced new arrival Jeremy Jacquet, 21, alongside him, and with Ibrahima Konate gone, the Dutch defender’s experience will be crucial.

PREMIER LEAGUE: 5th

FA CUP: Quarter-final

LEAGUE CUP: Fourth Round

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Quarter-final

Hugo Ekitike was Liverpool’s leading scorer last season, finding the net 17 times in all competitions.

That total represents a sharp fall from the 30-40 goal seasons Salah produced between 2017 and 2024.

Ekitike is out injured and is unlikely to return before 2027, so whoever ends up as Liverpool’s top scorer this season will almost certainly need to post a tally higher than the Frenchman managed in 2025-26.

There are several lessons to take on board: using the squad more effectively, getting the best out of Florian Wirtz in a settled role, and cutting out the ready-made excuses such as an inability to defend long throws and set pieces.

Arguably the biggest thing Iraola can learn from Slot’s tenure is how to harness the force of Anfield. Liverpool started too many matches slowly under the Dutch coach, which was reflected in the fact they conceded first in 14 league games last season.

They lacked attacking thrust, which drained the energy from the crowd, and the two were unable to feed off one another. “For me,” says Iraola, “football is about emotions – about passion.” Those at Anfield would not disagree.

Get involved in a 5-4 thriller. Think back to Klopp’s first campaign, when the German lost his glasses in the celebrations at Norwich. Iraola’s first year could be just as entertaining.

Tighten up defensively at set pieces. Liverpool (20) and Bournemouth (18) had the worst records in the Premier League last season for goals conceded from dead-ball situations.

Last season was heavily overshadowed by an unimaginable tragedy. Diogo Jota’s death left a lasting effect not only on his team-mates, but also on the coach and his staff.

The big talking point is the decision to sack Arne Slot. Even with the serious mitigating circumstances, it was necessary – his decline had started with the team’s shocking performance in the 2025 Carabao Cup Final.

This season will be different because Andoni Iraola has injected fresh life into the fanbase.

I won’t be happy unless proper attacking football returns to Anfield. You would be surprised how many found it hard to sit through Liverpool matches last year.

Our key player will be Virgil van Dijk. World class. Look out for 19-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni. After nine months out, it is easy to forget just how immense his talent is. He tore his ACL on debut and was still man of the match.

Fans think our owners are OK. FSG get plenty wrong, but they usually put it right in the end.

The departing player I’m saddest about is Andy Robertson or Mo Salah. Both should still be at the club – and would have been, had things changed sooner.

Our biggest grudge match will be against Arsenal. They are the most unlikeable champions in a very long time. Those matches will be attacking football versus anti-football.

We’ll finish 3rd.

AUGUST

23 Newcastle (A)

29 Nott’m Forest (H)

SEPTEMBER

5 Ipswich (A)

12 Fulham (H)

19 Bournemouth (A)

OCTOBER

10 Man City (H)

17 Brentford (A)

24 Brighton (H)

31 Arsenal (H)

NOVEMBER

7 Crystal Palace (A)

21 Man United (H)

28 Everton (A)

DECEMBER

2 Sunderland (H)

5 Chelsea (A)

12 Leeds (H)

19 Tottenham (H)

26 Hull City (A)

30 Aston Villa (A)

JANUARY

2 Coventry (H)

6 Sunderland (A)

16 Crystal Palace (H)

23 Man United (A)

30 Everton (H)

FEBRUARY

6 Arsenal (A)

10 Coventry (A)

20 Hull City (H)

27 Tottenham (A)

MARCH

3 Aston Villa (H)

13 Ipswich (H)

20 Fulham (A)

APRIL

10 Newcastle (H)

17 Nott’m Forest (A)

24 Leeds (A)

MAY

1 Chelsea (H)

8 Man City (A)

15 Brentford (H)

23 Brighton (A)

30 Bournemouth (H)

Liverpool to win the Premier League title odds: 11/2

FourFourTwo verdict: Liverpool to finish 3rd.

Life after Salah could help the collective, if it is managed properly. Iraola’s methods suit most of the Reds squad, fitness permitting, although bouncing straight back to the title looks a bit too much to expect.

This feature was written in June as part of FourFourTwo magazine’s legendary Season Preview issue.