The Athletic FC Podcast Are Liverpool still the team to beat?
11 snips
Aug 11, 2025 
In this discussion, Simon Hughes, a football journalist for The Athletic, and Adam Crafton, the platform's correspondent, dive into Liverpool's recent Community Shield loss. They assess Liverpool's preparedness to defend their Premier League title amidst transfer speculation and evolving team dynamics. Key insights include the challenges of integrating new signings, financial strategies for boosting the squad, and the emotional landscape of the fanbase as they face competition from giants like Manchester City and Chelsea.
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Lack Of Cohesion Cost Liverpool
- Players looked encouraging individually but the team's structure faltered in the Community Shield.
- Simon Hughes says personnel changes disrupted longstanding functions and cohesion.
New Signings Need Time To Click
- Liverpool's major summer overhaul means new signings need time to learn roles.
- Simon Hughes expects the players to click but warns adaptation is necessary.
Full-Back Shift Reduces Ball Control
- Losing Trent Alexander-Arnold's control will change Liverpool's possession balance.
- Adam Crafton says two attacking full-backs put more pressure on midfield to dictate play.