Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been warned his job is under serious threat unless he makes immediate and significant changes to his struggling squad.
Pressure mounts after Forest humiliation
The Dutch coach faces mounting pressure following Liverpool's 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, leaving the Reds languishing in 11th position in the Premier League table. Their title defence has completely collapsed after a catastrophic run of results that includes six victories and six defeats this season.
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy delivered the stark warning, stating Slot must make "huge decisions" about his team selection or face the consequences. Liverpool already sit 11 points adrift of league leaders Arsenal, with their hopes of retaining the Premier League trophy effectively over.
Big-money signings failing to deliver
The team's struggles come despite significant investment during the summer transfer window. Liverpool acquired several of football's most sought-after names, including Alexander Isak for £125m, Florian Wirtz at £116m and Hugo Ekitike for £79m. However, only Ekitike has performed to expectations among the new arrivals.
Murphy highlighted that most of last season's title-winning squad have failed to maintain their previous standards. "I'd say only Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, maybe Andy Robertson, when he's come in, have even got near to the levels of last season and that's not good enough," he said.
Back to basics approach needed
The former England international believes Slot must adopt a simpler approach to turn around Liverpool's fortunes. "He's got to make some huge decisions and that means leaving some big players out because back to basics is key," Murphy explained.
"Defending better, working harder, being more physical, doing the hard yards - it sounds very basic stuff - but he's got to pick his most physical 11 who he thinks are going to defend the best for him and start getting some points on the board, because if you keep losing games, he won't be in a job."
Liverpool now face a crucial period with matches against teams in the bottom half of the table, though they failed to capitalise on a similar opportunity against 19th-placed Forest. The immediate focus shifts to Champions League action against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield this week, providing temporary distraction from their league woes.
Despite their disastrous start, Liverpool remain just three points off the top four, with qualification for next season's Champions League becoming the primary objective for Slot's struggling side.
