Can Arne Slot really fix the malaise he has overseen, which he apparently didn’t see coming?

New players have come in, too many of them, and that has meant a dilution of the collective will instilled by Klopp

CONFUSED: Liverpool manager Arne Slot reacts on the touchline during the UEFA Champions League, league phase match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.

Before this game Arne Slot had announced that he was “almost confused”. Which does at least raise some tantalising questions. Mainly, what is this Liverpool team going to look like when he gets there, when a state of full confusion is finally attained, when even Slot’s confusion stops being confusing and reveals its diamond-cut final form.

A 4-1 home defeat, Liverpool’s ninth in the past 12 games, felt like a step towards that promised end. Or at least confirmation their season has now reached the gallows humour phase – one of those periods where events haven’t just run away from you, but appear to be openly mocking your best efforts to catch up.