Liverpool head into the 2025-26 Champions League with a new face in the dugout. Arne Slot, who succeeded Jürgen Klopp, now has the responsibility of guiding the Reds through Europe’s toughest competition. His first continental challenge begins at Anfield on Wednesday, September 17, when Atletico Madrid visit in what promises to be a fiery opening night.
For Liverpool supporters, the excitement of Champions League football never fades. Under Slot, there is a sense of curiosity too. How will his style translate on the European stage? And can this evolving squad rise to the occasion against some of the continent’s most experienced sides?
The Fixtures Ahead
The Reds’ journey through the new league-phase format will be anything but straightforward. After hosting Atletico, Liverpool must head to Istanbul for a clash with Galatasaray, a fixture defined as much by the noise and intensity of the crowd as the quality of the opposition. A trip to Germany follows, with Eintracht Frankfurt offering their own brand of high-tempo football.
Back at Anfield, supporters can look forward to one of European football’s most iconic rivalries: Liverpool versus Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have been a recurring foe in recent years, and these encounters always carry weight. PSV Eindhoven also travel to Merseyside, bringing a team rich in technical talent and youthful energy.
The winter brings further challenges with a December clash against Internazionale at the San Siro. January offers no respite as Liverpool head to France to meet Marseille in one of Europe’s most atmospheric stadiums, before closing out the phase at home to Qarabag. While Qarabag may appear to be the lightest opposition on paper, history shows that underestimating any team in this competition can be costly.
The Submitted Squad
Liverpool’s official List A squad for the competition includes a mix of experienced leaders, exciting new arrivals, and promising young names. The squad is: Alisson, Bradley, Ekitike, Endo, Frimpong, Gakpo, Gomez, Gravenberch, Isak, Jones, Kerkez, Konate, Leoni, Mac Allister, Mamardashvili, Rio Ngumoha, Robertson, Salah, Szoboszlai, Van Dijk, Wirtz, Woodman.
This list reflects the depth Slot has at his disposal. There is world-class talent across every position, but also a sense of freshness with recent signings and younger players earning inclusion.
Strength Between the Posts
Alisson Becker remains Liverpool’s undisputed number one, and his Champions League pedigree speaks for itself. His presence brings calm and authority, especially in high-pressure away fixtures. Backing him up are Freddie Woodman and Giorgi Mamardashvili. The latter’s arrival has caught the eye, as he has already built a reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young goalkeepers. Slot now has genuine competition in goal, something that could prove crucial across a long season.
Leadership in Defence
Virgil van Dijk continues to lead the back line, and though he is no longer in his twenties, his reading of the game and physical presence remain unmatched. Alongside him, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez provide strength and versatility, while Andy Robertson offers consistency on the left. New signing Milos Kerkez brings youthful energy and drive, giving Slot another dynamic option at full-back. Jeremie Frimpong’s inclusion adds attacking threat from the right, and Conor Bradley’s progress has been rewarded with his spot in the squad. This defensive group has a balance of experience and energy that should serve Liverpool well.
Midfield Balance and Creativity
Slot’s midfield options look varied and strong. Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are expected to carry much of the creative burden, while Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones add control and mobility. Wataru Endo remains the dependable holding midfielder who allows others to push forward. Youthful talent is also being nurtured, with Leoni and Ngumoha both named in the squad. Their chances may be limited in the early stages, but their inclusion shows Slot’s willingness to blend experience with the future of the club.
Firepower in Attack
Liverpool’s forward line is once again their most exciting area. Mohamed Salah continues to be the team’s talisman, and his ability to deliver on European nights remains undimmed. Alongside him, record signing Alexander Isak will carry the responsibility of providing goals in the biggest games. Cody Gakpo offers flexibility across the front line, while Hugo Ekitike adds another layer of unpredictability. Perhaps the most intriguing inclusion is Florian Wirtz, a player tipped to become one of Europe’s next great playmakers. His creativity could unlock stubborn defences and give Slot’s side a cutting edge.
The Role of List B Players
UEFA’s regulations also allow clubs to register younger players on List B, provided they meet the homegrown and age requirements. For Liverpool, this means academy talents such as Ben Doak, Bobby Clark, and Kaide Gordon could still feature during the campaign even though they are not named on List A. These players may not play starring roles, but their involvement in training and occasional appearances will be vital for their development and for giving Slot more flexibility.
What to Expect from This Campaign
Liverpool’s squad has the quality to go deep into the competition, but the format and the fixture list mean consistency will be crucial. Slot will have to manage the demands of the Premier League alongside the challenges of Europe, and his tactical adaptability will be tested against teams with very different styles. The squad’s mix of established leaders and ambitious newcomers creates a sense of balance, but whether that balance translates into results will only be known as the games unfold.
Conclusion
Liverpool enter the 2025-26 Champions League with a renewed identity under Arne Slot and a squad that looks capable of competing with Europe’s best. The challenges ahead are significant, from the opening night against Atletico Madrid to the heavyweight clash with Real Madrid and the daunting trips to Istanbul, Milan, and Marseille. Yet this is exactly the kind of stage Liverpool were built for. With Salah still leading the way, Isak eager to justify his price tag, and new signings like Wirtz and Frimpong ready to shine, the Reds look set for another memorable European adventure.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com