Share
Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show
Inside Arne Slot's Liverpool with James Pearce: Klopp's departure, Slot's appointment & winning the title
•
James Pearce joins producer Guy to discuss his new book, Walk On: Inside Arne Slot's Liverpool, looking back on last season's historic Premier League title win.
As well as touching on the obvious inspiration for the name of the book, there are plenty of topics covered from the void left by Jurgen Klopp, the rebuilding of Liverpool's executive team with the likes of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes through to the process that led to Slot's appointment.
The key themes of last season are also discussed in how Slot hit the ground running in his role as head coach, leading the Reds to the Premier League title while contending with three of the team's star performers heading towards the end of their contracts at Anfield.
You can find a link to the book here - or by searching Walk On: Inside Arne Slot's Liverpool
Email: walkon@theathletic.com
Host: Guy Clarke
With: James Pearce
Producer: Guy Clarke
More episodes
View all episodes
Breaking point for Slot? Anfield turns on Liverpool
41:11|Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to reflect on a damaging draw with Chelsea — and a toxic atmosphere at Anfield.With fans audibly turning on the team, the panel ask whether this is breaking point for Arne Slot.The conversation also turns to the summer ahead. What does Slot mean when he says he knows exactly what the squad is missing?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick ThomsonSalah’s leadership warning — and ticket price breakthrough
39:57|Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to unpack a big week at Liverpool FC — on and off the pitch.With Mohamed Salah raising concerns about dressing-room standards and leadership after his departure, the panel debate whether Liverpool are facing a cultural reset — and who, if anyone, is ready to step up.There’s also reaction to breaking news around ticket prices before the focus turns to a huge summer: is a holding midfielder the priority, and do Liverpool need more than just talent — but personality too?Finally, the Reds host Chelsea FC at Anfield, knowing a win would all but secure Champions League football. How big is this game and is anything less than victory simply not acceptable?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson18 defeats and a lack of identity — where are Liverpool heading?
35:05|Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to dissect a damaging defeat for Liverpool FC at Manchester United.After a dismal first-half display at Old Trafford, the panel assess how concerning the performance was, whether Arne Slot got it wrong tactically, and what a mounting tally of 18 defeats says about the direction of this team.There is also an update on injuries to key players and a look at what needs to change this summer.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick ThomsonLiverpool v Man United rivalry explained & shopping for Salah's replacement
43:47|Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to preview one of football’s biggest occasions as Liverpool FC head to Manchester United with third place on the line.The panel dive into the history and intensity of the rivalry between England’s two most successful clubs — from its roots in industrial Britain to decades of dominance, with both sides now locked on 20 league titles.There’s also the latest on Mohamed Salah’s return from injury, and how Liverpool might begin to replace him this summer — with Alexander Isak emerging as a key figure in the club’s evolving attack.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick ThomsonEnd of an era? Salah injury & Liverpool’s future attack
39:37|Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to assess the latest on Salah’s injury. Could that be the last time we see him in a Liverpool shirt?There are signs of a new era emerging. Alexander Isak opened his Anfield account, while Florian Wirtz also got on the scoresheet — but are Liverpool starting to figure out how to get the best out of their big-money signings?The panel also reflect on Liverpool winning the Premier League exactly one year ago today. Does Arne Slot deserve some more slack and what does he need this summer to ease the pressure?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick ThomsonIs the future bright for Slot's Liverpool?
43:10|Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to assess the bigger picture at Anfield. With Arne Slot insisting the future looks promising, the panel ask whether that optimism is justified — or if major questions still need answering.A big focus is on the goalkeeping situation. With injuries to Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Freddie Woodman stepping in, what does Liverpool’s long-term plan look like between the posts?Plus, a preview of the weekend clash with Crystal Palace — a side that has caused Liverpool plenty of recent problems!Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick ThomsonKonate contract, derby day delight & significance for Slot
40:01|Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to react to a dramatic derby day victory over Everton, sealed by a towering late header from Virgil van Dijk. Was it Liverpool’s most significant win of the season — and does the performance even matter if the result is this big?There’s also fresh insight into Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation, with positive signs emerging — and what that could mean for Liverpool’s summer plans.Plus, inspired by Simon’s latest piece, the conversation turns to a bigger question: what does it really mean to represent Liverpool? With many key figures living away from the city, does that disconnect matter — or is it simply part of the modern game?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick ThomsonHow does Ekitike's injury change Liverpool's summer plans?
39:51|Andy Jones and James Pearce join Tony Evans to assess the fallout from defeat to Paris Saint-Germain — and the devastating news that Ekitike is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. What does his absence mean for the remainder of the season and the summer transfer window?With Ekitike out, the spotlight turns firmly to Alexander Isak. The panel discuss whether he’s ready to lead the line after a slow start to life at Anfield, while also taking a closer look at Florian Wirtz — and why these final weeks of the season could define how he’s judged.Plus, a look ahead to a huge Merseyside derby away at Everton, and how Liverpool adapt without their main striker as the race for the top five intensifies.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick ThomsonRio rising; can Ngumoha spark Liverpool's season?
40:55|Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to reflect on a much-needed win over Fulham, headlined by 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who became Liverpool’s youngest-ever league scorer at Anfield.The panel discuss whether this is the emergence of a genuine wildcard option ahead of the decisive Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain — or simply a rare bright spot in an inconsistent campaign.Off the pitch, attention turns to growing fan unrest, with reaction to ticket price protests and wider questions around access, ownership, and the club’s long-term direction. Plus, Andy Robertson’s confirmed departure brings reflection on his legacy and where he ranks among Liverpool’s best ever signings.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson