Editorial 318
November 25, 2025
Welcome to Issue 318 of Red All Over The Land.
Almost a year ago we were held to a draw by Newcastle up at St. James’s Park and we said in the Fanzine it felt like a loss. The reason being it was because we were a good side and beginning to cement our place at the top of the league. We would stay in pole position and didn’t we let the world know it last May.
Jocky Hansen once remarked one reason Liverpool stayed at the top was always signing good players when they were strong. Liverpool did their homework on players and probably knew more about the player they were getting than the player himself.
Last summer Liverpool spent over £400m on new players and like everyone else I thought we’d done the business. Although, unlike in the past, I didn’t know too much about them because I don’t follow European football or players of other clubs that closely but like most, I trusted the judgement of those in positions of power. I still do but after seeing our season fall apart questions are being asked.
They are being asked about Arne Slott, about the players recruited, about those involved in the recruitment. Not surprising because since the middle of September our form has, Villa and Real Madrid apart, been an acute embarrassment. You look for leadership on the field; you look for leadership off it but there doesn’t seem to be any. Team selections and in some cases, substitutions have been baffling and that’s why Arne will be the main target and after the abject showing against Forest you can see why. As this Issues goes to print, we’re in the bottom half of the league.
I don’t know if all the changes behind the scenes have had any effect such as Arne’s new right-hand man, the goalkeeping coaches, changes at Academy level etc. I don’t know what impact Diogo has had and possibly still having but in the clear light of day something needs doing.
I don’t and won’t advocate Arne being replaced but those at the very top could soon see things differently because as we all know, including the coaching staff, football is a result driven business. It’s also about money and the supremo’s will expect some returns for their massive investment – if not there’s only one outcome.
The players can’t escape criticism and possibly for the first time since the final dark days of Brendan Rodgers commitment and desire has been questioned.
Whatever the problem is, it can’t go on. If things don’t change, the repercussions could be brutal. That’s not the Liverpool way, but it’s the business way.
JJP: I opened my eyes this morning and looked up and let out a cry of pain. I could see Everton above us in the league.
