Liverpool have lost their identity and intensity – what are they trying to be?

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Independent or go back to LFC Live.

Liverpool crashed out of the FA Cup (Mike Egerton/PA Wire)But Liverpool have lost their intensity in another respect. The mentality wasn't there enough.”And if, over eight-and-a-half years under Klopp, Liverpool were not always mentality monsters, or intense, or playing heavy-metal football, there is the sense they have lost their identity now.

There are times when Arne Slot’s Liverpool lose their way in games even before they lose them. Yet Arne Slot won a Premier League title with players he inherited, rather than those purchased on his watch.Arne Slot inherited an excellent squad but has struggled to forge his own (PA Wire)This year, Liverpool – apart from when they score their own late winners – have tended to lack the visceral excitement Klopp’s football offered.

They have contrived to spend £450m and yet look short on players, rendering it harder to play high-speed football when the overworked know they have to manage their energy and Slot is forever substituting those he fears will get injured. Szoboszlai, at fault for Tottenham’s late equaliser three weeks ago – albeit when used out of position at right-back – is now up to 3,938, plus 717 for Hungary.Liverpool have spent huge money and yet seem short of players (Action Images via Reuters)If there is one team ill-equipped to consistently play at the high speed Liverpool showed in their 4-0 win over Galatasaray, it may be them.