Liverpool's alarming slump continued on Saturday as they suffered their sixth Premier League defeat in just seven games, with Nottingham Forest inflicting a damaging 3-0 loss at Anfield that has intensified scrutiny on manager Arne Slot.
Pressure Mounts on Slot After Forest Humiliation
The Dutch manager, who enjoyed a dream debut season by guiding Liverpool to Premier League glory last year, is now facing the most challenging period of his tenure. Saturday's comprehensive defeat against Nottingham Forest has raised serious questions about his ability to reverse the team's fortunes.
Slot's second season at the helm has begun disastrously, with the Reds looking shadows of the team that clinched the title under his leadership just months ago. The scale of the decline has shocked supporters and pundits alike, particularly given the £450 million summer investment in reshaping the squad.
Pundits Divided on Slot's Future
Despite the worsening situation, prominent football analysts believe Liverpool's hierarchy will maintain patience with the 47-year-old manager. Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown expressed his astonishment at Liverpool's collapse but doubted the club would dismiss their title-winning manager.
"We have to give credit to Forest for what they are doing but yes, the wheels are coming off now for Arne Slot," Keown told Final Score. "Obviously, it was Jurgen Klopp's team, and he has tried to come in and make changes, but he has spent £450million on players, and they are going backwards."
Keown added the crucial perspective that might save Slot's job: "I don't think you can win the league one year and get sacked the next."
Redknapp Calls for Patience
Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp echoed similar sentiments on Sky Sports, urging calm amidst growing criticism. He highlighted the challenging circumstances Slot has faced, including the departure of legendary manager Jurgen Klopp.
"I look at Liverpool now, this is what I expected to happen last season," Redknapp said. "After Jurgen Klopp leaving the club I thought it would have some negative effect on the team. There wasn't. They did something absolutely extraordinary and won the league."
Redknapp emphasised the need for perspective, stating: "Right now, I think it's a time for patience because they'll be people, pundits, everyone going crazy, [saying] 'Sack the manager'. [Be] calm, take your time."
The defeat leaves Liverpool eight points behind the Premier League leaders, a situation described as "unthinkable" by pundits given their dominance last season. With the international break providing temporary respite, Slot faces a critical period to address his team's alarming form when club football resumes.
