It’s pretty simple really.
I’d replace Slot. Could see the appeal of Xabi but don’t think he’s the only option and nothing close to the certainty you felt you were getting with Klopp. Iraola would be my choice right now but he’s not the be all and end all. Saying that, unless Enrique leaves PSG I don’t think there’s an established elite world class manager we could, or could have, got this summer.
Don’t think Hughes bought badly in the summer. Wouldn’t have done Isak myself but it’s tough to moan about buying the second best CF in the league last season. Would instead have liked to see him do a couple of those more under the radar options instead of Isak whilst also replacing Diaz too.
None of the players are “deeply dislikeable”. That’s conflating their characters with their performances and is unnecessary when it comes to expressing frustrations. And no one was calling them that when we were winning…
Change is needed but I think that’s the manager more than the squad. We need some additions and some to move on but the there’s a group of players there performing well under what they are capable of. When that’s the case the buck stops with the manager. That’s why moving him on would be my preference but Xabi going to Chelsea doesn’t mean that can’t or won’t happen or that the team can’t improve under someone else.