Liverpool's summer decisions under microscope in next 8 days after reality check

Arne Slot is about to see how much depth his squad has after a quiet summer with Liverpool beginning a run of three games in eight days.

The Reds had a quiet summer as they transitioned their manager following the departure of Jurgen Klopp. Slot by no means tore up the hymn sheet and has opted to work with the group he inherited, bar the late arrival of Federico Cheisa, who was signed from Juventus.

The Italian is yet to feature for his new outfit but could make his bow back in his homeland with Liverpool travelling to the San Siro for their Champions League opener on Tuesday. Clashes with AC Milan are steeped in history and it was a breakthrough in Europe that ignited the Klopp era.

He claimed glory back in 2019 and Slot will have his first chance to make major inroads in the competition having been unable to do so in his previous jobs. His first job though is getting Liverpool back on track following their shock loss to Nottingham Forest.

Losses at Anfield have become a collectors item in recent years but the Reds were stunned as Forest bought them back down to earth following three wins on the trot. Virgil van Dijk hoped that the team would learn from the reverse as he called it a "reality check".

The Dutchman appeared to be among the leading voices in training as the squad were put through their paces at their Kirby-base. Klopp was known to bemoaned the hectic schedule that came with managing a top English side and Slot will now have to negotiate that issue.

Slot has gone for the same front three in each of his four games to begin the season - Mo Salah, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota through the middle. With the games coming thick and fast the Reds boss will likely have to rotate having only used 12 players from the start across his four games - but he is not short of quality, especially in the final third.

Cody Gakpo has shown in moments what he's capable of but none of their forwards have been more inconsistent and frustrating than Darwin Nunez. The club's record-signing has shown the best and worst of himself whilst at Anfield and is seeking an opportunity to impress his new boss.

He walked out for training with his face covered by his top before getting into the swing of things. It has been his finishing which has copped the majority of the criticism that comes his way. Chiesa too now offers another option with the Italian previously a huge hit in Serie A.

After Liverpool negotiate their first European contest of the season they will hope to make amends for their latest Anfield failing by seeing off Bournemouth. This fixture finished 9-0 to the Reds two years ago and Slot will want to maintain pace with the leading pack.

Next Wednesday will also see the Merseysiders begin the defence of their Carabao Cup crown. It was victory at Wembley in this competition last season that allowed Klopp to deliver the final trophy of his tenure as the club's youthful side - featuring several homegrown products - saw off Chelsea.

West Ham are one of the more challenging opponents they could've been drawn against, but playing them at Anfield at least eases their travel burden. If Slot delivers a trophy and makes the top four then his first season will earn itself a big tick given the concerns that many head following the exit of Klopp.