🔴 Liverpool Urged to Find Missing Leaders as Pressure Mounts on Florian Wirtz

Liverpool’s blistering start to the season has come to an abrupt halt following consecutive defeats, and criticism is mounting. With summer signing Florian Wirtz under the spotlight and questions about the team’s leadership, former Reds have pointed to two departed icons the club sorely lacks. As Arne Slot looks to steady the ship ahead of a crucial clash against Chelsea, the calls for change—and accountability—are growing louder.

Liverpool’s Momentum Hits a Wall

After winning their first seven matches across all competitions, Liverpool seemed poised for a dominant campaign under new manager Arne Slot. But a pair of back-to-back losses—to Crystal Palace in the Premier League and Galatasaray in Europe—have exposed cracks in the Reds’ revamped squad.

While some of their early wins were secured with late drama rather than dominant performances, the recent defeats have amplified concerns about the team’s cohesion and tactical balance. Most notably, several of the club’s summer arrivals have yet to hit top form, with Slot still searching for the right formula.

Slot Told: Liverpool Miss the Leadership of Milner and Henderson

Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer believes the club’s recent stumbles reveal a deeper problem: a lack of on-pitch leadership. Speaking to beIN Sports, McAteer emphasized that Liverpool’s previous resilience came from players like James Milner and Jordan Henderson, whose influence extended beyond their technical ability.

“When things weren’t going well under Klopp, you had Milner and Henderson—real leaders. If you gave the ball away, Henderson would be right there, holding players accountable,” said McAteer.
“That mindset—demanding more, pointing the finger, saying ‘don’t do it again’—that’s what’s missing now.”

Milner and Henderson, both now departed, were known for setting the standard in the dressing room and on the field, and their absence may be impacting the Reds more than initially anticipated.

Florian Wirtz Under Pressure to Deliver

Among the summer signings facing scrutiny is Florian Wirtz, who arrived at Anfield with a hefty £116 million price tag and high expectations. While the German playmaker has shown flashes of brilliance, former Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson says the 22-year-old needs to step up with more consistent output.

“We’ve seen glimpses of world-class quality from Wirtz—his positioning, his intelligence—but he needs to add end product,” Johnson told reporters.
“Right now, it’s not enough to just look tidy. He needs to be ruthless.”

Johnson compared Wirtz to former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, suggesting that while the two share a similar creative flair, Coutinho delivered tangible results more consistently.

“Coutinho had that sharpness—when he got the ball, something happened. Wirtz still needs to develop that killer instinct,” Johnson added.

He also advised that Wirtz might benefit from simplifying his game and focusing on being more decisive in key moments, rather than overplaying or relying on sideways passes.

Must-Win Showdown at Stamford Bridge Looms

Liverpool’s upcoming fixture against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge now carries even more weight. The Reds must bounce back quickly to stay in the title race, and all eyes will be on how Slot adjusts his lineup—and whether Wirtz can rise to the occasion.

Slot faces a dual challenge: finding the right tactical blend and reintroducing leadership qualities into a side that suddenly looks vulnerable under pressure. Without the vocal presence of Henderson or the versatility of Milner, others in the squad will need to step into leadership roles if Liverpool hopes to compete at the highest level.