The pressure on Liverpool manager Arne Slot has intensified to a critical level following a humiliating 4-1 defeat at Anfield to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, marking a new low in a season of profound disappointment for the Reds.
Anfield Humiliation Unfolds
The inquest began almost immediately on Wednesday night as Liverpool's defensive frailties were exposed within the first five minutes. Virgil van Dijk was penalised for a handball in the box, allowing Ivan Perisic to calmly slot home the resulting penalty and silence the home crowd.
A brief flicker of hope emerged when Dominik Szoboszlai equalised ten minutes later, but any optimism was brutally extinguished after half-time. A dismal second-half performance saw Liverpool concede three more goals, culminating in a 4-1 dismantling that leaves the club in a state of crisis.
A Truly Miserable Run of Form
This latest defeat is not an isolated incident but part of a deeply concerning pattern. The loss to PSV means Liverpool have now suffered nine defeats in their last twelve games across all competitions. Since the end of September, victories have become increasingly rare.
While there have been occasional triumphs against sides like Eintracht Frankfurt and Real Madrid, these have been completely overshadowed by heavy losses to Manchester City, a shocking home defeat to Nottingham Forest, and now, the capitulation against PSV.
Pundits Deliver Their Verdict on Slot's Future
Unsurprisingly, the disastrous run of form has sparked intense debate about Arne Slot's future at the club. However, several high-profile former Liverpool players are urging caution against a knee-jerk reaction.
Jamie Carragher was unequivocal in his assessment, stating on CBS Sports: "Liverpool isn't a sacking club. They are different from almost every top club in European football where the manager is the king. The managers get time. Liverpool have never sacked a manager who has won the league." Carragher placed the blame squarely on the players, adding, "I'm angry with the players."
This sentiment was echoed by Steve McManaman and Steven Gerrard. McManaman believes it is "far too early" to consider sacking Slot, especially considering he guided the team to a Premier League title just months ago. Gerrard acknowledged the modern pressure but implied that Slot deserves more time, a view shared by his fellow legends who have experienced the Anfield pressure cooker.
Former defender Stephen Warnock noted that warning signs were present even during early-season victories, while Danny Murphy warned that despite his personal liking for Slot, results are ultimately all that matter. Murphy highlighted the upcoming fixtures against West Ham and Sunderland as pivotal, stating the team simply cannot afford any more slip-ups.
The consensus among the Anfield old guard is clear: while the situation is dire and the pressure is immense, the club's history suggests stability should be prioritised. However, with performances and results at their worst in over seven decades, Arne Slot's reign is hanging by a thread.
