Liverpool manager Arne Slot has conceded it is 'almost impossible' to implement major changes at the club as he battles to reverse the team's disastrous run of form. The Reds are languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table, a stark contrast to their title-winning campaign just six months ago.
A Deepening Crisis at Anfield
The pressure on Slot intensified dramatically following a 4-1 Champions League defeat at home to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night. This humbling loss marked a ninth defeat in just 12 matches across all competitions, equalling the club's heaviest ever home loss in European competition. This dismal run represents Liverpool's worst spell of form in 72 years.
When questioned about potentially shaking up his starting line-up or system, the Dutchman was blunt about the limitations he faces. "Is the question should I change dramatically?" Slot said. "If for example you want another system with five defenders that could be an issue. I don't even have five defenders."
The Relentless Fixture List
Slot pinpointed the relentless schedule as a primary reason why a dramatic overhaul is currently unfeasible. He argued that the lack of training time makes it virtually impossible to instigate a fundamental shift in the team's footballing philosophy.
"It suits the players best the system we are playing now," Slot explained. "They have played this system probably throughout their whole career and there is hardly any training time for us. So it is almost impossible to change our complete idea about football if we play every two days."
Searching for a Glimmer of Hope
Despite the gloom, Slot remains defiant and pointed to the experience of rivals Manchester City as a reason for optimism. He noted that the dethroned champions endured an even worse spell last year, managing just one win in 13 matches, yet still recovered to secure a top-three finish and are now challenging for the title again.
"I am not sure but Pep [Guardiola] will probably have said the same," Slot stated, referencing City's manager. "The best chance to come out of a situation like this is that we as a team and me as a manager bring the best out of these players again." He added, "I think we have the quality and we have to bring the best out of them again."
The scrutiny on Slot's position is now immense as Liverpool head into a crucial week, starting with a Premier League trip to face West Ham United on Sunday.
