Liverpool nearly unbeatable as walking champions of Europe

Liverpool are very nearly unbeatable when it comes to walking in UEFA Champions League matches. It's not a great trait to have.

Liverpool haven't been good enough this season. That's clear to everyone watching and the Reds may drop entirely out of the running for a UEFA Champions League place next season.

Their form in the Champions League has been better, though. Liverpool are through to the quarter-finals after seeing off Galatasaray.

But perhaps 'form' is wrong. The Reds haven't been consistent in the competition and have actually lost two of their three fixtures against the Turkish champions.

They lost to PSV Eindhoven, too, suffering a 4-1 home defeat. It's been a mixed bag, in other words.

And looking into the performances, something interesting pops up. Data shows that Liverpool have walked a further distance than their opponents in all but one of their 10 Champions League matches.

The only team to walk more? Real Madrid in their trip to Anfield. Other than that, Arne Slot's team have been caught moving at slow speed more than their opponents.

And that goes a long way to showing why Liverpool have also been out-run by all by two opponents. Real Madrid covered less distance, of course, and so did Galatasaray back in September - though, the latter did in their meeting.

This is a trait that continues no matter what level of possession Liverpool have, either. 62 per cent of the ball at Anfield last week? Galatasaray covered more distance, Liverpool walked further.

42 per cent away at Marseille? The hosts covered more distance, Liverpool walked further. 50/50 at Inter? You guessed it, the same story.

Liverpool have made it to the quarter-finals, so perhaps it's not the end of the world. But it does seem to be a sign of a lack of intensity in this side.

Arne Slot: Situation Summary

Precarious Job Status

Despite delivering the Premier League title in his debut season (2024/25), Slot’s position is reportedly "under threat" as Liverpool sits 5th in the Premier League. The club has lost 10 league games this season—the most in a decade—and has won just four of their last 13 domestic matches. Reports suggest the hierarchy will review his position at the end of the season, with his future tied strictly to securing a top-five finish. Names like Xabi Alonso and Julian Nagelsmann are already being heavily linked as potential successors.

Contract Disbelief

Slot recently dismissed questions regarding a potential contract extension, as he is set to enter the final year of his three-term deal this summer. During a press conference on 20 March, he reacted with visible frustration, asking, "Is this how football works, we win one time [against Galatasaray] and now we are talking about my contract?" He emphasized that his sole focus is on the final seven matches of the campaign.

Tactical Challenges and Injuries

Slot is currently navigating a severe injury crisis that has "blunted" his attack. Key forward Hugo Ekitiké suffered a fresh injury against Brighton, joining Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak on the sidelines. Slot has also faced criticism from pundits like Jermaine Pennant for a perceived lack of physical intensity, with the team frequently being "outrun" in midfield.

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