Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to reflect on Liverpool’s heavy FA Cup defeat to Manchester City and Slot’s comments on a lack of “fighting spirit.”The panel assess whether Slot was right to question his players so publicly, the recurring defensive issues that continue to cost Liverpool, and whether senior figures like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are doing enough in key moments.Attention then turns to Paris Saint-Germain, with The Athletic’s Tom Williams joining to give the French perspective ahead of Wednesday’s clash. How dangerous are PSG, and how big a challenge do they pose to a fragile Liverpool side?With confidence shaken and the stakes rising, the panel debate just how crucial these next two games are — not just for Liverpool’s season, but for Slot’s future.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes, James Pearce & Tom WilliamsProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson

Andy Jones and James Pearce join Tony Evans to preview the FA Cup clash with Manchester City on Saturday and debate where Arne Slot should be focusing his attention. The panel weigh up the importance of the FA Cup against the demands of the Premier League and Champions League, with a packed schedule forcing tough decisions. Should Slot go full strength, or rotate with PSG looming?There’s also a deep dive into listener questions — from whether a true “Liverpool way” still exists under Slot, to who carries the most responsibility for an underwhelming season, and concerns around the manager’s man-management style.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to break down the reasons behind Salah’s departure. The panel discuss the role Slot played in Salah’s exit, the tensions that emerged during the season, and whether this feels like a natural conclusion or a slightly sour ending to a remarkable chapter.There’s also talk around Liverpool’s future and whether abandoning the plan of Arne Slot at the helm would actually set the club further back. There are heated discussions around PSG’s successful attempt to postpone their league match, giving them an edge in the Champions League, plus Jürgen Klopp has been back at Anfield.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson

James Pearce, Simon Hughes and Andy Jones are alongside Tony Evans to react to the news Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.The Egyptian King, who has scored 255 goals in 435 games for the Reds will bring to a close his career at Anfield after nine seasons after he announced the decision on Instagram.The panel give their reaction to the announcement, take a trip down memory lane looking back on the key moments Salah has provided in his time at Anfield as well as assessing how the news could impact the rest of the season, Arne Slot's role as head coach and Liverpool's push to finish in the top five of the Premier League.Share your favourite Salah memories and moments on email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes, James Pearce and Andy JonesProducer: Guy Clarke

Simon Hughes and Andy Jones join Tony Evans to dissect another damaging result in the race for the top five. From European euphoria to Premier League frustration, Liverpool were brought crashing back down to earth with defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion.The panel explore the now-familiar pattern of Liverpool failing to back up big Champions League performances, with Arne Slot admitting his side once again couldn’t match their previous level. Is this simply fatigue — or a deeper issue with the squad?There’s discussion around defensive errors, the growing injury list with Hugo Ekitike forced off early, and whether the absence of key forwards like Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak has left Liverpool short in attack.Plus, with just one point from their last three league games, the guys assess the state of the top-five race — and whether this side can stumble over the line.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & Andy JonesProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to break down a night that could define Liverpool’s season. After a flat and frustrating run, Anfield came alive as Arne Slot’s side produced a statement performance to book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.The panel analyse the tactical switch to a 4-4-2 system, Mohamed Salah’s impact in a more central role, and whether this performance finally offers a blueprint for consistency.Off the pitch, attention turns to uncertainty behind the scenes, with speculation linking sporting director Richard Hughes to a move to Saudi Arabia. Plus, with Brighton up next and a tough record following European fixtures, can Liverpool balance their domestic and continental ambitions?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to ask the big question: with boos ringing out following Liverpool’s draw with Tottenham Hotspur, where does this leave Arne Slot?The panel dissect the disappointing performance, the late goal conceded, and the growing frustration among supporters as Liverpool let another opportunity slip. With questions mounting around team selection, squad planning and the mood around the manager, is this becoming a turning point in Slot’s tenure?Plus, attention quickly turns to a huge night in Europe as Liverpool prepare for a season-defining Champions League clash with Galatasaray. Can they keep their campaign alive — and perhaps change the narrative around the season?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to unpack the 1–0 defeat away to Galatasaray in the Champions League. It was a frustrating night that once again highlighted familiar problems — defensive lapses and missed chances. The guys ask whether the tie is still there for Liverpool to turn around at Anfield next week.The panel also reflect on Arne Slot’s first 100 games in charge and explore why fan sentiment feels surprisingly mixed despite a record no Liverpool manager has ever bettered.Finally with Tottenham Hotspur heading to Anfield this weekend, the guys preview Sunday’s Premier League clash and assess whether it’s the perfect fixture for Liverpool to bounce back.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson

Gregg Evans and James Pearce join Tony Evans to break down the FA Cup win at Molineux, including Ngumoha’s eye-catching display and whether this is the moment he becomes a genuine first-team option under Arne Slot.The panel also discuss Andy Robertson’s match-winning contribution — a goal and an assist in two electric minutes — and what the left-back had to say about his future at Liverpool FC amid growing competition for places.There’s also reaction to Ryan Gravenberch signing a new six-year deal, a listener question on how busy Liverpool need to be in the summer transfer window, and a look ahead to Tuesday night’s Champions League last-16 clash away to Galatasaray in Istanbul. What must Liverpool do differently to avoid a repeat of their defeat in Turkey earlier this season?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Gregg Evans & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson