Liverpool's dramatic decline under Arne Slot has drawn comparisons to the final months of Brendan Rodgers' reign, with questions mounting over the club's summer transfer strategy. Slot's side has lost nine of their last 12 games, a record not seen since Don Welsh managed the club in 1953-54. The head coach faces a critical run of Premier League fixtures against West Ham, Sunderland, and Leeds.
Slot, who led Liverpool to the league title six months ago, has accepted responsibility for the team's performances. He spoke with sporting director Richard Hughes after the PSV Eindhoven defeat and remains confident of the hierarchy's backing. However, the lavish summer spending of almost £450 million has yet to improve the squad, raising concerns about the transfer approach led by Hughes and chief executive Michael Edwards.
The window saw Liverpool commit to British record fees for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, while also signing Hugo Ekitiké and Jeremie Frimpong. Critics question whether such heavy investment in attacking players was necessary when the team lacked cover on the flanks after selling Luis Díaz. The imbalance has contributed to a slump that leaves Liverpool in the bottom half of the table, though only three points off fourth place.
Edwards and Hughes have strong reputations for shrewd dealings, but the current crisis echoes 2014 when a poor transfer window derailed Rodgers' progress. FSG's desire to avoid an all-powerful manager, as seen during Jürgen Klopp's tenure, has placed greater emphasis on the sporting structure. With Slot under pressure, the effectiveness of that model is now being tested.
