Liverpool’s loss to Manchester City was quickly followed by the international break, as Arne Slot has been accused of losing trust in one of his summer signings
Fasika Zelealem Senior Sports Reporter
06:00, 12 Nov 2025
Arne Slot has yet to get Liverpool on the right track this season(Image: Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
Liverpool’s defeat to Manchester City marked the second consecutive time that the Premier League champions have entered the international break on the back of a loss. The Reds suffered a 3-0 defeat this past Sunday, their fifth league loss in six matches.
Despite showing signs of improvement with a 2-0 victory against Aston Villa and a 1-0 win over Real Madrid, morale plummeted after a disappointing performance at the Etihad Stadium.
Comprehensively outplayed by the Citizens, the defeat left Liverpool in eighth place, trailing league leaders Arsenal by eight points after just 11 matches. With the third international break of the season now underway, Arne Slot is once again under significant pressure to pull the Reds out of their slump in what has been a lacklustre title defence.
READ MORE: Arne Slot given clear message over Liverpool future as slump sparks major concernREAD MORE: Wayne Rooney delivers Hill Dickinson Stadium verdict as Everton ‘worry’ avoided
We examine the latest news from Anfield, as the Dutch manager faces criticism for seemingly lacking trust in one of his summer signings, while one Reds star previously thought his future was elsewhere.
Milos Kerkez decision
The first few months have been challenging for most of Liverpool’s summer signings, with Milos Kerkez notably struggling to adjust to life at Anfield. Despite being one of the Premier League’s top full-backs last season at Bournemouth, the Hungarian has failed to replicate the form that persuaded the Reds to part with £40million for his services.
Milos Kerkez has struggled to adapt at Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The 22-year-old began the season as Slot’s first-choice left-back over Andy Robertson, but the veteran Scot has reclaimed his position and has started the previous three fixtures across all competitions.
His demotion to the substitutes’ bench has left Chris Sutton convinced that he has fallen out of favour with the manager. Speaking on the BBC’s Monday Night Club podcast, the former Chelsea striker said: “Arne Slot hung his hat on Kerkez at the start of the season, Robertson was out in the cold and, all of a sudden, I think he has lost faith in Kerkez.”
Conor Bradley admission
Following what was an inconsistent start to the campaign for Conor Bradley, the Northern Irishman has rediscovered his best form recently with commanding displays against Aston Villa and Real Madrid. The 22-year-old was regarded as the Reds’ long-term successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold, but the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong cast doubt on that possibility.
It was only in May when Bradley committed his future to the club with a new four-year deal after establishing himself as a valuable squad member under Jurgen Klopp and now Slot. It was during the 2023/24 season that he enjoyed his breakthrough, but before that, he had genuine concerns about his Anfield future during his loan spell at Bolton Wanderers.
Conor Bradley has enjoyed a return to form as of late(Image: Getty Images)
Speaking last year, he said: “They told me that they wouldn’t forget about me when I was out on loan. But at the time, you don’t really believe it. You think, ‘A loan, that’s sort of me done here.’ But you have to keep working hard.
“I played around 50 games for Bolton, and it was the best thing for me at that time. It turned me into what I am now; it changed me from a boy into a man. I’m so grateful for the opportunity Bolton gave me to go and play so many games there. It got me ready for coming back at Liverpool and giving it my best shot.”
Despite having a challenging night at the Etihad Stadium, facing off against Jeremy Doku, Bradley earned praise in his battle against the skilled Belgian. His performance on an otherwise bleak night for the reigning champions earned him commendation from Pep Guardiola.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£49
£35
Sky
Get Sky Sports here
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
The City manager said: “Conor, the right-back, I was really, really impressed with. Pep Lijnders said he could do everything. I know the game against Madrid how good he was against Vinicius. And Jeremy [Doku] handled it, aggressive with and without the ball. He played an outstanding game.”
For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @LivEchoLFC – the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account – for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.
We’re also on Facebook/LiverpoolEchoLFC – your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
Listen to our podcasts by searching for ‘Blood Red’ wherever you get your podcasts.
Sign up for one of the Liverpool Echo’s free daily and weekly newsletters on Liverpool FC by clicking here.
