The pressure is mounting at Anfield following a disastrous run of form that has left Liverpool's title defence in tatters and manager Arne Slot fighting for his job.
A Season Unravelling
Just over seven months after delivering a dream Premier League title in his debut campaign, Arne Slot finds himself in a deepening crisis. The Dutchman's second season has taken a dramatic turn for the worse, culminating in a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest that has sent shockwaves through the club.
The loss represents Liverpool's sixth defeat in their last seven league games, leaving them languishing in 11th place and a concerning 11 points adrift of leaders Arsenal. The hallmarks of their stunning 2024/25 title-winning season have completely dissipated, with key players like Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate struggling defensively and the new-look attack failing to fire.
Taking Responsibility and Raising Eyebrows
In the aftermath of the humbling Forest defeat, both Slot and captain Virgil van Dijk were quick to shoulder the blame for the team's alarming slump. However, it was the manager's blunt assessment that captured the most attention.
"If things go well or things go bad, it's my responsibility," Slot stated, before admitting that his attempts to adjust tactics had backfired. "I've tried to adjust a few things, but it didn't work out."
This admission has sparked a fierce debate among pundits and fans alike: should Slot be given more time to correct the course, or would Liverpool be better served by making a bold change and replacing the man chosen to succeed the iconic Jurgen Klopp?
The Mirror Football Verdict
The consensus from Mirror Football writers is one of caution, largely advocating for patience despite the dismal results.
John Cross argues that sacking Slot is an unthinkable notion for a club of Liverpool's stature, pointing to his sensational first season and a perfect storm of mitigating circumstances. These include new signings like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak needing time to adapt, a tactical system change, and the profound emotional impact of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota on the entire squad.
Andy Dunn believes Slot has an "enormous amount of credit in the bank" and speculates that chairman Tom Werner's recent presence might even be related to a contract extension, not a dismissal. He highlights encouraging wins against Aston Villa and Real Madrid amidst the poor league form.
Jeremy Cross offers a more cautious perspective, noting that Slot is "skating on thin ice." He suggests that defending a title is the true test of a manager's calibre and that Slot must prove he can fix the serious problems at hand.
Scott Trotter and Felix Keith both emphasise that last season's title win proved Slot is a good coach who deserves the chance to rectify his recent mistakes. Keith points to questionable tactical decisions, such as playing creative force Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back, but argues there is no obvious replacement candidate.
Ben Husband summarises the prevailing mood, stating that while Slot's credit is "running seriously low," he shouldn't be sacked yet. However, the Dutchman is now on borrowed time and needs positive results, and quickly, starting with the next three Premier League fixtures.
