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Liverpool’s Year Turns From Title Glory to Winter Turmoil as Parade Attacker Is Jailed

A severe dip in form reflects injuries, a public Salah fallout and lingering trauma after a year of shocks.

Overview

  • Paul Doyle was sentenced to more than 21 years in prison for driving into crowds at Liverpool’s May title parade, where 134 people were injured.
  • After a strong start to the 2025/26 season, Liverpool slumped to nine defeats in 12 across competitions, their worst run since 1953–54.
  • A record outlay of about £440–450m reshaped the squad, including a British‑record £125m move for Alexander Isak alongside arrivals such as Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké.
  • Injuries have deepened the downturn, with Isak sidelined for months by a fractured leg and fellow newcomer Giovanni Leoni out for the season with a torn ACL.
  • Mohamed Salah’s public criticism of the club and Arne Slot led to a brief exclusion before a recall, and he is set to be away for Africa Cup of Nations duty.