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Liverpool's season hit another bump this week, as the team suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Arne Slot was hopeful that his team would bounce back after a 2-1 loss away to Crystal Palace the previous weekend. However, an early penalty from Victor Osimhen ensured the Reds left Istanbul with their first European Cup defeat of the season.
Despite significant summer investment in players like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, Liverpool's revamped squad has struggled to find its groove so far. Even though the Reds are topping the Premier League by two points, the losses to Palace and Galatasaray have presented numerous challenges for Slot.
From underperforming stars to figuring out how to maximise the potential of his top players, it could be argued that the Dutchman is facing his first major test since arriving at Anfield in the summer of 2024.
With that in mind, here is the latest news from Anfield...
Guehi makes his feelings known
Palace captain Guehi has stated that his main focus is on his club after his transfer deadline day move to Liverpool fell through. The England defender had agreed to join the Reds, only for Palace to pull out at the last minute.
The 25-year-old has been delivering outstanding performances for the Eagles. Palace triumphed over Liverpool on spot-kicks in the Community Shield before securing a 2-1 victory in the league encounter on Saturday.
Guehi's spell at Selhurst Park looks to be nearing its conclusion, with his deal due to run out at the campaign's end and little indication of fresh terms being agreed. Speaking ahead of Palace's Europa Conference League clash with Dynamo Kyiv on Thursday, Guehi discussed his situation during the pre-match media conference.
"I don't have much to say, to be honest," he said regarding his future plans. "I'm focused on playing football and playing for this club. But to the fans (I want to say) thank you very much for your support. I definitely feel it."
He added: "It's something I don't think of at all. My only focus is on the club, I'm not too worried about any personal accolades. As long as the team is where it needs to be I'm happy."
Speculation surrounding Michael Olise intensifies
The chatter regarding Liverpool's prospective swoop for former Palace sensation Olise continues to gather momentum, after his remarkable return of five goals and six assists across nine outings for Bayern Munich this campaign. The Reds' interest emerges alongside suggestions that the Frenchman possesses a release clause within his Bayern deal.
According to German publication BILD, Liverpool is presently at the front of the queue ahead of Manchester City and Chelsea for the 23-year-old's signature. BILD claims that Liverpool is prepared to splash out around $117 million to bring the winger to Anfield.
Bayern, nevertheless, is eager to secure Olise on a new contract. Bayern Munich's sporting director, Max Eberl, has spoken with assurance regarding Michael Olise's position at the club, declaring: "[He] has over three and a half years left on his contract [and] will increasingly become a decisive factor in FC Bayern's game and shape the future of this team."
Eberl remained bullish about keeping Olise for an extended spell, adding: "If it's up to us: the longer, the better."
Curtis Jones backs Wirtz prediction
Following a testing beginning after his switch from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool, Wirtz has backing from teammate Curtis Jones to discover his rhythm. Wirtz approaches Saturday's encounter with Chelsea still searching for his maiden Premier League goal or assist.
Nevertheless, Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones remains convinced Wirtz will click into gear in the near future. Following his involvement in a TikTok challenge forecasting teammates' seasonal output, Jones commented: "I just know he'll be a massive help to the team. He'll get goals, he'll get assists, and he'll be a standout guy in the team."
Liverpool icon Kenny Dalglish also offered his perspective on The Stick To Football podcast, expressing confidence that Wirtz will shortly settle into Anfield life. When questioned about Wirtz's potential for development, Dalglish remarked: "The first thing he needs to do is what he's doing at the moment... once they [the Liverpool team] get on the same wavelength... by the way, that wee fella [Wirtz] he could open a can of soup."
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