Liverpool Football Club is experiencing one of the most dramatic slumps in its recent history, with manager Arne Slot facing mounting pressure as his team's defensive frailties reach alarming levels. The Reds have suffered a staggering nine defeats in their last twelve matches across all competitions, marking their worst run of form in over 70 years.
A Father's Support Amidst the Storm
Even as Liverpool's fortunes have plummeted, Arne Slot has found an unlikely source of sympathy within his own family. Earlier this year, when Liverpool were cruising towards the Premier League title, Slot revealed his father, Arend Slot - a former coach of Dutch amateur side VV Bergentheim - had been critical of their performances. Now, with the team in crisis, parental instincts have taken over. "As a dad, he knows how difficult it is for me," Slot explained. "To give me another hit is not the best thing you can do as a dad. He is a bit more supportive now than when we are winning."
The Tactical Stubbornness Question
The more pressing question for Liverpool supporters is whether Slot himself can change tack. Despite the horrific run of results, the Dutch manager has largely persisted with the same methods and players, leading many to wonder if this represents the definition of madness or simply unwavering belief in his philosophy. Slot maintains that Liverpool's underlying quality should see them through this period, arguing that their talent alone should prevent such consistent losing - though this hardly constitutes a coherent strategy for revival.
When pressed on potential tactical changes, Slot was defiant. "I don't know what is in your head, but if, for example, you want another system with five defenders that could be an issue," he stated. "I don't even have five defenders." This comment highlights both Liverpool's injury crisis affecting Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, and the club's decision to carry only four central defenders even before Leoni was ruled out.
Statistical Evidence of Defensive Collapse
The numbers make for grim reading for anyone associated with Liverpool. In the Premier League, only eight teams have allowed more shots on target, while just four have a higher expected goals against. This defensive vulnerability has been compounded by a surprising lack of clinical finishing, with Liverpool underperforming on their expected goals in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Perhaps most concerning is the pattern of conceding early goals. In all competitions, Liverpool have conceded first in 10 of their last 12 games, with the opposition scoring within the opening 16 minutes in six of those matches. This has forced Liverpool to constantly chase games, further exposing their defensive weaknesses.
Slot's team selection has raised eyebrows among supporters and pundits alike. The continued absence of Wataru Endo, a talismanic figure two years ago, has been particularly puzzling - the Japan captain has managed just four minutes of Premier League football since August. Similarly, Joe Gomez has played only 43 Premier League minutes this season, despite Ibrahima Konate's wretched form.
The manager defended his selection policy, explaining regarding Endo: "Ryan [Gravenberch] is not performing the worst from all of our players. That is Ryan's best position and the same as Wata." He also recalled the criticism he received when briefly deploying Endo at right-back against Bournemouth.
The recent 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven felt like a new low, though Slot remained insistent that the scoreline didn't reflect their performance. Statistics somewhat support his case - Liverpool have recorded a higher expected goals figure in three of their six Premier League defeats and both Champions League losses, while boasting the third-highest xG in the European competition.
As Liverpool stare into the abyss of their worst crisis in generations, Arne Slot continues to trust that results will eventually align with performances. "Every time you are thinking we can keep playing the same but hopefully do better because this team should - and can - play better than we do," he asserted. The question remains whether such faith in his methods represents visionary management or dangerous obstinacy as Liverpool's season threatens to unravel completely.
