Liverpool’s slow starts to games have been a recurring issue this season, with the team conceding the first goal on 21 occasions. This bad habit not only puts the opposition in control but also drains Liverpool’s energy as they constantly have to fight back from a deficit. On average, they concede the first goal within the first 23 minutes, with six instances of conceding within the first 10 minutes.
This is a far cry from Liverpool’s reputation for their ruthless starts in previous seasons. Now, opposing teams know they have a chance to catch Liverpool off guard. While individual errors and lapses have contributed to this problem, there seems to be a larger issue with the team’s mentality from the very beginning of matches.
The predictability of Liverpool conceding first has become a concern, with it now being a surprise if they manage to score within the first 15 minutes themselves. Although Liverpool has shown resilience by coming back from losing positions on numerous occasions, this constant need for comebacks is taking a toll on the team both mentally and physically. Injuries have also forced certain players to play more than planned, adding to the fatigue.
It is clear that this cycle of conceding first and having to fight back is not sustainable. In fact, Liverpool has lost three out of their last four games in which they conceded first. To break this cycle, the team needs to show composure and discipline from the start, building a solid foundation rather than constantly playing catch-up. With no margin for error, Liverpool must find a way to turn things around quickly.
As Jurgen Klopp once said, “only silly idiots stay on the floor and wait for the next defeat.” Liverpool cannot afford to dwell on their past mistakes; instead, they must strike back and salvage what remains of the season. It’s time for the team to shake off their slow starts and show why they were once considered one of the hardest teams to beat.