Liverpool

Latest updates

  1. Slot on Isak's recovery, Szoboszlai's position and facing Pereira's Forestpublished at 10:03 GMT 19 February

    Media caption,

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (14:00 GMT).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • Slot confirmed Joe Gomez is available and fit to start. Jeremie Frimpong "will not be involved this weekend" but Slot said "we hope he will be involved next week if things go as planned".

    • Wataru Endo will be out "for a long time" with the injury he sustained against Sunderland but there is not yet a timescale, while Alexander Isak "has been on the pitch not with his football shoes but with his running shoes for the first time this week so it will still be a while".

    • More on Isak, who continues to recover from a broken leg: "You do know you're in your final stages of rehab. Next step is, of course, doing work with the ball and then going into the group, but it takes a while before you're ready to play. It's nice that rehab has gone well- compliments to him and our medical staff. Let's not put a timescale on it but it's clear he will be available if things go as planned this season."

    • Asked whether the Reds needed free midweek, Slot said: "Not needed it, no. Maybe if you ask me again in a month it's different. It was nice to have days off, but I didn't really need it. Last season, I maybe needed it more. I'm enjoying the work I do over here - I enjoy working with the players and the staff."

    • On Dominik Szoboszlai's position: "He played a good game in midfield [against Brighton in the FA Cup]. The week before he played a very good game at right-back, and the week before a good game in another position. A player with his quality can play in multiple positions and I have to find the best position for him and for the team."

    • On facing Vitor Pereira's Forest after losing at 3-0 at home earlier in the season when they were manager by Sean Dyche: "Back then, it was Dyche's third or fourth game. That makes it a little bit more difficult. We only have tonight [Forest's Europa League match at Fenerbahce] to see if this new manager changes personnel. The good thing is they have that game, and the manager was in the Premier League last season."

    • On a recent return to goalscoring form: "We always try to press, bring the ball out from the back, and we want to entertain. We don't always achieve that. Sometimes it's about us and sometimes it's the teams facing us don't want an entertaining game. For a lot of the season, when we've lost or drawn, we have not deserved it. Things went a bit more back to normal recently and you can see that in performances and results."

    Hit play above to hear more from Slot or listen on BBC Sounds here

    Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

    Listen to live commentary of Nottingham Forest v Liverpool on Sunday from 14:00 on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds

    Got a question about Liverpool? Get in touch here and we'll send it to our experts

    Ask Me Anything green banner
  2. 'What is a successful season for Liverpool?' published at 12:02 GMT 18 February

    Media caption,

    Liverpool.com journalist Matt Addison says qualifying for the Champions League is "the minimum requirement" for the Reds this season.

    He told BBC Radio Merseyside: "Obviously winning a trophy is not be sniffed at, you want to do that as often as you can but Liverpool a couple of seasons ago had a season in the Europa League and it just isn't the same.

    "For me, the minimum requirement is Champions League football. Champions League and a trophy is what would be a successful season."

    Click play above to hear the full chat or listen on BBC Sounds

  3. 'He's too good a centre-back to let go so easily' - fans on Konate contractpublished at 14:03 GMT 17 February

    Your Liverpool opinions banner
    Ibrahima Konate after scoring for Liverpool against Newcastle, with team-mates Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai behind himImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your views on how important it is for Liverpool to renew Ibrahima Konate's contract, which is due to expire this summer.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Chris: I get the feeling Konate is just running his contract down, as Trent Alexander-Arnolddid. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that - this is business and a short career. The likes of Real Madrid would be delighted to get him on a free, with no risk, and move him on for a healthy profit. Hope he stays though.

    Jason: Why would we expect him to renew a contract that has just a few months left? When has this ever happened so late with a high-profile, valuable player in his 20s? He's not renewing! Did no-one learn from Trent?! If he was renewing it would have been done long ago.

    Rich: I really hope he stays but I don't expect him to simply because he thinks he is better than he is, and therefore thinks he's worth more money than he is. He's a really decent player but his lack of consistency, and the fact you always feel he has a massive error in him, means he's not world class, in my opinion. Far from it.

    Jack: Konate has been fantastic for many years. He's form a formidable partnership with Van Dijk and he is a defender who could still do many great things at the club. He could also be somebody who helps young defenders come up through the academy and could be an inspiration to many - like Virgil van Dijk has been. We need to tie him down as many of the other defensive options we're looking at are joining other clubs.

    Callum: If you asked in October, I would have said try to get some money for him. But now he has really improved his game and we are back looking really solid defensively. Also, we are lacking decent centre-back options. I hope we keep him if he keeps performing like this.

    Rachel: 100% renew his contract. His return has sparked the revival of a squad struggling in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp was the catalyst for a tight team bond and Konate's return has led to a resurgence in that dressing room family. There are rumours of divisions with Arne Slot, but maybe the strength of this unit can weather those problems. Konate is becoming a leader across the group and we will definitely need his French influence to support Hugo Ekitike's form and the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet in the summer.

    Fraser: When he's on form, Konate is one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. Since coming back, he's been really good and looks more like the old Konate. I think most of us were too harsh on him as we had no idea what was going on in his private life and that his father was seriously ill. I would definitely try to renew his contract - it would certainly save us money in the summer when we need to fill other gaps in the squad. He's too good a centre-back to let go so easily.

  4. 'Konate has turned a real corner'- how important is renewing his contract?published at 07:56 GMT 17 February

    Jordan Chamberlain
    Fan writer

    Liverpool fan's voice banner
    Ibrahima Konate in action for LiverpoolImage source, Getty Images

    Ibou Konate has been exceptional recently and deserves plaudits for this.

    Since he returned from taking time off after the death of his father, Liverpool have kept two clean sheets in four games, with Konate not putting a foot wrong.

    He was poor at the start of the campaign but he seems to have turned a real corner, which will be crucial in Liverpool's pursuit of a top-five finish in the Premier League and glory in either the Champions League or the FA Cup.

    Of course, we cannot know how the situation in the lead-up to his father's death may have affected Konate's form, but it's great to see him back to his best.

    The Frenchman still hasn't signed a new contract, however.

    Surely Liverpool would be wise to tie him down, given the very high cost of buying a replacement of his calibre.

    Jeremy Jacquet is arriving in the summer on a pre-agreed deal, but he's only 20, uncapped and surely not ready to be a guaranteed starter every week.

    Using Jacquet as a rotation option at first so he can get used to the league and renewing Konate's deal would be more sensible.

    What do you think? How important is it Liverpool secure Konate on a new contract?

    Get in touch with your views here

    Liverpool have your say banner

    Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop, external

  5. FA Cup fifth-round draw made published at 18:43 GMT 16 February

    The balls being prepared for the FA Cup drawImage source, Getty Images

    The draw for the FA Cup fifth round has been made. Here is a list of all the ties in the order they were drawn.

    • Fulham v Southampton

    • Port Vale or Bristol City v Sunderland

    • Newcastle United v Manchester City

    • Leeds United v Norwich City

    • Mansfield Town v Arsenal

    • Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool

    • Wrexham v Chelsea

    • West Ham v Macclesfield or Brentford

    The matches will be played over the weekend of 7 March.

    Watch all the highlights and best video from this season's FA Cup

  6. Liverpool 3-0 Brighton - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:30 GMT 16 February

    Your opinions graphic
    Media caption,

    We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's FA Cup fourth round game between Liverpool and Brighton.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Liverpool fans

    Stuart: A great performance from the two Hungarians. The best game Kerkez has had in a Red shirt. Both him and Szoboszlai were very energetic. Jones performed with versatility. The combined passing and finish for the second goal was incredible. A little bit of the old Salah returned and he deserved the penalty that he rifled home. Finally some of the youngsters could get on the pitch. The only disappointment was Rio's wonderfully struck, disallowed goal!?

    Rae: Everything right, and wrong, with Liverpool this season can be seen in this match. Some great goals, individual brilliance, Salah, Szoboszlai. And also some suspect defending, inconsistency. Nonetheless a great win and hopefully more to come.

    John: So much has improved recently. Defending has Improved immensely, the midfield and forward play has been more dynamic. Salah has settled down after the African Cup of Nations, so onwards and upwards.

    Struan: Important win against Brighton. Kerkez is at last becoming the player we thought we bought. Salah is beginning to return to form. Curtis showed he deserves more game time with his goal and all around performance. Szoboszlai was outstanding again with some superb long passes and a wonderful goal. And another clean sheet, which until recently seemed impossible for Liverpool. Lots of positives. Important we take the FA Cup seriously and give it our best shot.

    Brighton fans

    Keven: It felt like Hurzeler failed to understand the importance and passion of the FA Cup in this country and to the fans. You are playing one of the top sides, yet you start with no forward pace, no wingers to spread the game, leaving Mitoma, Minteh and Welbeck freezing on the bench, hoping to do a hit-and-run at the death. Kadioglu was once again the best player on the pitch for us, but how long will he continue to give 110% when others around him lack passion and fire in their bellies? I think the club now has to make some hard decisions however painful that may be.

    Mark: Please Tony Bloom, end the agony of Hurzeler-ball, I just can't stand any more!

    Barry: Brighton once again began brightly, moved the ball well and created opportunities - but the familiar problem remains - we don't take chances and Liverpool did. For a side that looked destined for the top eight not so long ago, the slide is worrying. Confidence appears fragile and the pattern is becoming predictable. Questions will inevitably be asked of Fabian Hurzeler. Chairman Tony Bloom now faces a significant decision about the direction of the club.

    Brian: Confidence is installed through the manager. Unfortunately, this isn't happening and most players have lost belief in themselves. Against Liverpool, why start with such an inexperienced front line? Again selection is also a major concern.

  7. When is FA Cup fifth-round draw?published at 08:16 GMT 16 February

    FA CupImage source, Getty Images

    The 2025-26 FA Cup fifth-round draw will take place on Monday, 16 February at about 18:35 GMT.

    It will be done before the fourth-round tie between Macclesfield Town - the lowest-ranked team left in the competition - and Brentford, with former England internationals Joe Cole and Karen Carney conducting the draw on TNT Sports.

    Supporters can also follow the draw on the BBC Sport website and app.

    All matches will be played around the weekend commencing Saturday, 7 March.

    Unlike in previous years, there are no replays if matches end as a draw. All ties will go to extra time, and if necessary, a penalty shootout.

    What are the ball numbers?

    1. Liverpool

    2. Fulham

    3. Sunderland

    4. Southampton

    5. Wrexham

    6. Arsenal

    7. Chelsea

    8. West Ham United

    9. Mansfield Town

    10. Norwich City

    11. Port Vale or Bristol City

    12. Wolverhampton Wanderers

    13. Newcastle United

    14. Manchester City

    15. Macclesfield or Brentford

    16. Leeds United

  8. Gossip: Ivory Coast winger Diomande linked with Liverpoolpublished at 07:26 GMT 16 February

    Gossip graphic

    RB Leipzig's Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, 19, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool, says the Anfield outfit are his father's favourite club. (Bild via Goal), external

    Liverpool and Chelsea are showing firm interest in Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, who is set to leave the club this summer. (Teamtalk), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  9. Kerkez improvement 'pretty clear' - Van Dijkpublished at 12:30 GMT 15 February

    Aadam Patel
    Liverpool reporter

    Milos KerkezImage source, Getty Images

    Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk insists that Milos Kerkez is "making big progress" and that it is "pretty clear you definitely see an improvement" in the 22-year-old.

    Kerkez initially struggled after signing from Bournemouth for £40m in the summer but has thrived in recent weeks and put in a player-of-the-match display against Brighton on Saturday, where he got an assist and helped his side keep a clean sheet.

    "I think it is pretty clear you definitely see an improvement," said Van Dijk.

    "He (Kerkez) is still so young and is getting used to being a Liverpool player, it is a lot more than kicking a ball on the pitch, especially when the team has been inconsistent it's not easy to play your best games.

    "But with the help of Robbo (Andy Robertson) and the rest of the team and his own development I think he is making big progress. What I see is there is a lot to come for him to learn and improve but that's a good thing. He just has to keep going."

    Kerkez - who has played 33 games for Liverpool this season - and Van Dijk play on the same side of the Reds' backline and the captain stressed that there is still plenty to learn for the Hungarian full-back.

    "Of course I had chats because on the pitch we need each other, whether it is positioning or even today he presses as a full-back and I have to cover," Van Dijk added.

    "It's a collaboration that you obviously have to understand each other and me and Robbo had that for so many years and you still see that in our game and that is something that has to develop over games.

    "Conversations are happening 100% behind the scenes and in games, like with the rest of the team, to try to be the best team and players on the pitch."

    Asked what Kerkez is like as a team-mate, Van Dijk laughed and said: "He has a lot of energy. He is young. When we were young we were always full of energy. He is eager to learn."

  10. Analysis: Reds recover their swaggerpublished at 10:02 GMT 15 February

    Aadam Patel
    Football reporter

    Dominik SzoboszlaiImage source, Getty Images

    At this stage of the FA Cup last year, Arne Slot named a second-string side for the tie at Plymouth and Liverpool were dumped out by the Championship strugglers.

    The Dutchman's selection here spoke volumes in terms of what this competition means for Liverpool this season.

    Winning the Champions League will be a tough ask - so the FA Cup is a realistic chance for silverware.

    And his selection was justified as Liverpool played with a swagger that has perhaps been missing for most of their season. There was a tempo to their football and so much to admire for the first two goals, with Dominik Szoboszlai's in particular coming at the end of a fine team move.

    Milos Kerkez, who assisted Curtis Jones, is improving week by week, while Mohamed Salah described Szoboszlai as "one of the best players in the world right now" to TNT Sports.

    Salah himself also had a good night - he put in a shift off the ball, got back on the scoresheet and went off to another standing ovation from the Anfield faithful.

    Liverpool have now kept two clean sheets in a row too so, all in all, this was an evening where plenty of boxes were ticked. It would be a stretch to say they are back - but there are certainly encouraging signs.

  11. Liverpool 3-0 Brighton: What Slot and Jones saidpublished at 09:28 GMT 15 February

    Media caption,

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot, speaking to BBC Sport: "Satisfying because we scored three and that's not really been coming for us. To create a lot of chances has been. To score three with the chances we did have has not happened that many times this season so I am really pleased with that.

    "I thought we were up already earlier but not many moments later we scored from a full-back and another full-back attacking the box and that tells you how much these players want to score a goal. The second goal was even nicer than the first one.

    "It started out with us bringing the ball out from the back. It was two teams wanting to bring the ball out from the back which you don't see that much anymore in the Premier League. It was a great team goal, a great switch and Mohamed Salah laying it off and the finish was probably the nicest part of the attack.

    "In the end we get players back. It is fair to say we have developed a lot from two, three or four months ago. We are much more able to bring the intensity levels that are needed in the Premier League and Champions League after two days rest. Most of these players are young so there is a lot more to come from them. That is why we did what we did in the summer. Giving them time to adjust also cost us too many points that is also clear but the team is in a good place at the moment."

    Hear Slot talking about "unbelievable" Dominik Szoboszlai and more below or on BBC Sounds here

    Media caption,

    Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, speaking to TNT Sports: "It was a good game. We scored three very good goals and a clean sheet as well and that is all you can ask for.

    "There have been times I've scored more but not played as well as I am now. I just want to play well, help the team as much as I can. I am fortunate enough to be in team with lads that can score goals. The more times I can score I'll try, the better.

    "I'm a footballer. I'm a centre midfielder, I want to assist, score and help the team but if the manager needs me to play as a centre half or as a full-back or striker I'll go and do it and try my best. Today I was in as a full-back, I scored and helped the team so I am happy.

    "I think we have clicked for a while. It is a season that has obviously not been as good as we'd have liked. You can't go into every game and expect to win. I think the team has gelled and off the pitch there is a good bond as well. It is a matter of time before we kick on again.

    "I want to win everything. I know what the fans expect. I know what it is like to play for a team like this, you have to win things."

    Did you know?

    • Liverpool have won 10 of their last 11 FA Cup games at Anfield (drawn one) since a 2-3 loss to West Brom in this round back in 2017-18.

    • For just the third time in his Liverpool career (428 games), Mohamed Salah scored a goal, provided an assist and won a penalty in a single game, with the previous two instances coming against Newcastle and Arsenal in back-to-back games in December 2018.

  12. Liverpool 3-0 Brighton & Hove Albion - send us your thoughtspublished at 21:54 GMT 14 February

    Have your say banner
    Media caption,

    Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

    What did you learn from Liverpool's display?

    Have your say on Brighton's performance

    Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

  13. Liverpool v Brighton: Team newspublished at 19:17 GMT 14 February

    Graphic showing Liverpool line-upImage source, BBC Sport

    Liverpool XI: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Jones, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Salah, Chiesa, Gakpo

    Subs: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Ekitike, Robertson, Gravenberch, Nyoni, Ramsay, Morrison, Ngumoha

    Brighton XI: Steele; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Baleba, Howell, Hinshelwood; Gross, Mitoma, Kostoulas

    Subs: Verbruggen, Georginio, Minteh, Welbeck, Milner, Boscagli, Mitoma, Wieffer, De Cuyper

    Graphic showing Brighton line-upImage source, BBC Sport
  14. Follow Saturday's FA Cup ties livepublished at 11:03 GMT 14 February

    A graphic showing players from five English clubs - Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Ipswich Town and Birmingham City - around the FA Cup, with the text: "Follow the teams you care about. Sign in or create an account for the latest news, insight, expert opinion, fan views and stats, and to get notifications."
    An image detailing how to follow your team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.

    There are seven ties in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

    Kick-offs 15:00 GMT unless stated

    Follow all of the action and reaction here

    You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Burton v West Ham" of "ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v Brighton", for instance.

    Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

    How to follow the FA Cup fourth round on the BBC

    The BBC iPlayer logo on a black background
    The BBC Sounds logo against a black background
  15. Sutton's predictions: Liverpool v Brightonpublished at 08:56 GMT 14 February

    Chris Sutton smiling on a yellow and black background with 'Sutton's predictions' written below his face

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot and Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler are both under pressure, but it feels like Hurzeler has the bigger problems to solve.

    Brighton are on a poor run and apparently it all got a bit ugly at their home defeat by Crystal Palace on Sunday. The fans seem to have lost faith in him and although that feels harsh to me, when it happens then it it is hard to reverse it.

    The Seagulls beat Manchester United away in round three and now Hurzeler could really do with beating Liverpool away too.

    I wouldn't put it past them, either, especially with Liverpool struggling to see out games at the moment, but I think Slot's side will just about get over the line.

    Sutton's prediction: 1-1 after extra-time, Liverpool to win on penalties.

    Read the full predictions and have your say here

  16. Slot on Endo, set-piece significance and 'vital' Szoboszlaipublished at 09:31 GMT 13 February

    Luke Reddy
    BBC Sport journalist

    Media caption,

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Brighton at Anfield (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

    • Wataru Endo is still being assessed after suffering an injury at Sunderland but will be out for "quite a long time".

    • Slot discussed selection against Brighton given Liverpool's stretched squad: "The last thing we could use right now is another injury, so the load management is important now. We have to train today, see how players are doing and listen to how they feel."

    • Asked if he may turn to youth at a testing time for his squad, he replied: "I am looking always at them. A few of them are coming closer and closer to first-team football. A few already had it, like Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni. Games like this could be an option for them as well. It's finding the right balance because we play against a very good and strong team. Finding the right balance is something we will think about even more today."

    • Slot praised the "vital" form and leadership of captain Virgil van Dijk: "Not even looking at the options we have at centre-back, if he is not playing there are no options left - same for Ibrahima Konate. Virgil plays every three days but it's not a coincidence if I look at how much work he puts in every day. It's always harder to stay fit in a season when the team has so many setbacks. It tells you a lot about what he does off the pitch and his mental strength."

    • Slot was insightful on set-pieces and if he has changed how he views them this season given their significance in the Premier League. He explained: "I always thought it's impossible to win a big game of football with a negative set-piece balance. You have asked me a lot about the difference between our Champions League and Premier League performances, and the most obvious is set-pieces. In the Champions League, we are top for set-pieces; in the Premier League, we are bottom. I found it very, very important - but it has now gone through the roof. It is actually impossible to win the league if you have a set-piece balance like ours - no matter what you do in open play."

    • Hungarian duo Milos Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai did not feature in Wednesday's win at Sunderland and will return. On Szoboszlai, Slot said: "I cannot stop talking about his qualities. Close to ridiculous on and off the ball, work-rate another level, the intensity, he presses unbelievably, technique, game insight. Offensive midfielder, right-back, right winger - he has all these qualities in all these positions. He has been vital for us this and last season. He will continue to be that."

    Hit play above to hear more from Slot or listen on BBC Sounds here

    Listen to commentary of Liverpool v Brighton at 20:00 on Saturday on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds

    Follow all of Friday's FA Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

    Got a question about Liverpool? Get in touch here and we'll put it to our experts

    Ask Me Anything green banner
  17. 'Too sensible and you won't get the big gigs' - has punditry gone too far?published at 06:19 GMT 13 February

    A general view of two microphones with Sky Sports brandingImage source, Getty Images

    Recently, Liverpool and the Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said former players-turned-pundits have a responsibility when discussing the performances of the current generation of footballers.

    He believes they can stray into "clickbait" and have a possible impact on players' mental health.

    On Thursday's episode of the More than the Score podcast, former Scotland international Pat Nevin and chief sports editor for Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf Marcel van der Kraan join John Bennett to discuss and analyse the modern world of punditry and the impact it can have on players and managers alike.

    "As a player you do tend to take it to heart, especially when it feels a little personal," said Nevin.

    "Generally, it isn't personal and the pundit is just having their opinion and we all kind of know where the lines are. But, the lines have been jumped over more often in recent years and I think Van Dijk is right about that.

    "Because of the clickbait, it is so much easier to get more likes, views and work if you're a little bit more extreme. Ex-players aren't stupid and they know that. If you are too sensible and sit on the fence you won't get the big gigs.

    "You have a dichotomy. Most ex-players would like to be balanced but they know if they are too balanced and sensible they won't be there next week.

    "My criticism would always be constructive criticism which is explained. One-dimensional labeling of players should never happen. Sometimes if a big name says something enough it becomes accepted wisdom."

    Van der Kraan added: "There are two different kinds of pundits; those who need to be on every week and those who are genuinely focused on what is right and what players should do.

    "For Van Dijk, after so many years enough is enough.

    "It all started after he came into the Netherlands team and became a big player at Liverpool. The first ex-player to really criticise him was Marco van Basten, saying he was not a leader. Van Dijk was biting his lip after every match because it became a bit of a stigma.

    "Eventually it filtered to England and every time he had a bad game it became an open nerve."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

    Listen on BBC Sounds banner
  18. 'They fought like they still had pride in their project'published at 14:45 GMT 12 February

    Josh Sexton
    Fan writer

    Liverpool fan's voice banner
    Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones high-five after Liverpool's win at SunderlandImage source, Getty Images

    Liverpool have had to face a lot of adversity this season.

    After winning the league at such a canter that they were holidaying during the season, they had their parade celebrations overshadowed and had to deal with the loss of their beloved teammate Diogo Jota.

    Those incidents put anything they've suffered on the pitch this campaign into stark perspective, and gave their start to these proceedings a sombre soundtrack. It's a miracle that they started with seven wins in all competitions.

    Since then, they have had so much go against them on the pitch.

    Some of it has been self-inflicted, switching off for late goals after inviting on pressure, refusing to deal with the set-piece revolution sweeping the Premier League, or putting themselves in positions that leave them at the mercy of poor refereeing or more VAR madness.

    However, it's fair for any fan to look at the latest injury to Wataru Endo and say, what on earth is next?

    The Reds are now in the thick of a single-position injury crisis only matched by what happened to their centre-backs in 2020-2021.

    Less mentally resilient teams would curse their luck and give up, and I'm sure I'm not alone in having questioned this side's mental resilience this season, no less on these pages.

    However, the fact that they haven't completely given up shows their strength. The churlish may read this and argue that they are duty-bound to fulfil fixtures, which is obviously true. But it would still be easy to give up on the project, their manager, their own teammates, and even us as fans.

    Yet, every time they've been asked difficult questions in public, they've been stoic - besides the one obvious example from Elland Road. The vast majority have backed the project, their manager, their teammates, and us as fans to help them turn things around.

    While that turnaround may not be quite as glorious or imminent as we may hope, it says a lot that Arne Slot's side can travel to a Sunderland team that were unbeaten at home and always up for a physical battle, and not be bullied.

    They fought like they still had pride in their project, fought for their manager, fought for their teammates, and fought for us.

    For that reason, this writer will stop questioning their mental fortitude and accept that their belief may waver in the face of adversity, but that, at the end of a storm, there will always be a golden sky.

    Liverpool keep getting back up off the mat; now they need to stop getting knocked down. While my belief has wavered in the face of all this adversity, I still believe they'll get where they need to be.

    Find more from Josh Sexton on outlets including The Anfield Wrap, external