Jan Mølby Column: Big Response in Europe, Bigger Questions Ahead for Liverpool

A week of sharp contrasts, from Spurs frustration to a dominant European night, plus thoughts on Arne Slot, Richard Hughes and Brighton away

It’s been one of those weeks where everything around Liverpool seems to move at pace. From stepping out of my comfort zone with Adidas to watching the team swing from frustration to something far more convincing, there is plenty to get into. And like most weeks, you are left trying to make sense of what you have just seen.

Adidas campaign and stepping into acting

I do not mind admitting that the acting side of things was a step into the unknown. When the club asked and sent over the script, I thought it felt right. It looked like something that would land well with supporters and, as it turned out, it was a big production.

We spent two full days filming. One day with Robbie Fowler and the rest of us, and another with the first team. When you walk into something like that and see the scale, the make-up stations, the wardrobe, you realise quickly this is not a small job. You want to do it justice.

It took a bit of time to settle into it. That is only natural. You are outside your comfort zone, and you do not want to make a mess of it. Robbie had a lot to carry in that advert, and I thought he did well. He has that natural, slightly sarcastic humour which works.

What I liked most was the response afterwards. You never know how these things will be received, but the reaction has been terrific. Even at Anfield this week, supporters were talking about it. The retro kit from the 1995 to 1996 season is everywhere again, and that tells you the campaign hit the mark.

There was one moment in the club shop that summed it up. A supporter came up with a shirt that had my name on the back, or so I thought. It said “Mulvey”. That probably explains everything about my acting career as well.

Galatasaray win and reaction to Spurs frustration

The swing from the Spurs game to the Galatasaray match was huge. After Spurs, there was a lot of frustration. And I understood it. We have seen the same pattern too often.

When Liverpool control games, they are excellent. When the game opens up, we struggle defensively. Against Spurs, once they decided to go for it, it became a different match. We created more chances, but we also looked vulnerable. That has been a recurring issue.

Going into the Galatasaray game, there was a clear message. The performance against Spurs was not acceptable. You could sense it before kick off. The crowd was ready, but there was also an expectation that the players had to respond.

And they did.

The intensity at the start was exactly what you want. Even before the first goal, you could see the difference. Once we scored, it became very one sided. It could have been more than four.

The only thing that annoyed me was the penalty. I do not like that type of penalty. Just take it properly. There was no need to try something clever at one nil. It looked like a flat Panenka and it failed. At that moment in the game, you just score.

Apart from that, it was an impressive performance. But one game does not solve everything. The question now is whether that level can be repeated.

Arne Slot, contract uncertainty and Richard Hughes situation

There is a bigger picture here that cannot be ignored.

Arne Slot still has the backing of the club, but at Liverpool it has to be one hundred percent backing. Anything less and things change. That is how the club has always worked.

The contract situation is unusual. Liverpool do not normally allow managers to run into the final stages without clarity. It does not sit quite right.

At the same time, you have to look at the role of Richard Hughes. He is a key figure in everything. Recruitment, structure, planning. If there is uncertainty around his future, then that creates questions about what happens next.

We have seen before how difficult it can be when that position changes. You need stability, especially with another important summer ahead.

Hughes has done good work. Recruitment is not just about who you bring in, it is also about who you sell. There have been good deals done. But you also have to look at balance in the squad. There are areas where we are light and others where we have too much.

That responsibility sits with the sporting director as much as anyone else.

As for the idea of emotional decisions, that has never really been the Liverpool way. Bringing in a former player because of sentiment is not how the club operates. It is always about who is right for the job.

Brighton challenge and importance of consistency

Now it turns to Brighton, and this is not straightforward.

They are a good side, well coached, and they play in a clear way. They will push up, they will be brave, and they will try to play football.

But I do think Brighton have changed. They are not as unpredictable as they used to be. Recruitment has not been as sharp, and they rely more on experienced players now. That tells you something.

At home, they are still dangerous. Away, they are different. That is something Liverpool have to manage.

The bigger question is about Liverpool. Do we stick with what worked against Galatasaray?

It feels obvious. The balance looked right. The midfield worked as a unit again. Players were in positions that suit them. When that happens, everything looks simpler.

It would be strange to move away from that now.

I expect a tough game. Brighton will score, they usually do. But Liverpool should have enough.

For me, it is about building something. One good performance is not enough. You need consistency, especially with what is coming next.

I think Liverpool win, but it will not be easy.

Brighton 1-2 Liverpool.