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Liverpool's historic slump puts Arne Slot's future under scrutiny
Liverpool suffered a third consecutive three-goal defeat for the first time since 1953, deepening the crisis around manager Arne Slot after a 4-1 home loss to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday. The Dutch tactician, who led the Reds to a dominant league title in May, now faces mounting pressure as the club endures its worst run in 71 years-nine losses in 12 matches-leaving them 12th in the Premier League and 13th in the Champions League's expanded 36-team phase.
From champions to collapse in six months
Slot's position seemed unassailable after last season's 10-point title triumph, a campaign that earned him credit despite inheriting Jurgen Klopp's legacy. Yet a £450 million summer overhaul-headlined by British-record signing Alexander Isak (£125m)-has backfired spectacularly. Key departures, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz, compounded by the tragic death of Diogo Jota, have left the squad unbalanced and morale shattered.
Fan frustration boiled over after Saturday's 3-0 humiliation by Nottingham Forest. "Liverpool keep hitting new lows," said Josh Sexton of The Anfield Wrap, questioning whether Slot can "rescue a team from such a slump." While supporters acknowledge his past success, patience is wearing thin. "If they sack him, I'd be gutted," Sexton admitted, "but I'd also understand-though the same people judging him built this flawed squad."
Slot insists he retains board's trust-despite fan fury
After the PSV debacle, Slot dismissed speculation about his job security, citing "a lot of support from above." Yet he conceded, "It's normal to face questions when results are poor. I've been in tough spots before-now we must turn this around." His claim of feeling "safe" contrasts with fan outrage. Former defender Jamie Carragher, a 736-game Liverpool stalwart, directed blame at the players: "I'm past being angry-I'm frustrated. This isn't the Liverpool I know."
"Liverpool isn't a sacking club. The manager is king, the manager gets time. But there's a point where it becomes untenable."
Jamie Carragher, CBS Sports
Fixtures offer slim hope-but fans demand change
Upcoming clashes with 17th-placed West Ham, promoted Sunderland, and Leeds provide a glimmer of hope. Yet fan sentiment has turned toxic. "Slot ripped apart Klopp's side and look at us now-clueless," wrote one supporter. Others lamented a "lack of intensity," "no plan," and "players out of position," singling out Dominik Szoboszlai as the sole bright spot. "A decade of progress destroyed in 12 games," another fan despaired. "Where's the effort? Where's the soul?"
Slot's tactical shift-abandoning Klopp's high-tempo style for a possession-heavy approach-has drawn criticism. "We thrived playing fast and direct," noted a fan. "This plodding game doesn't suit us, especially with a shaky defense."
What's next?
The manager's fate may hinge on the next three matches. While Liverpool's hierarchy historically avoids knee-jerk sackings, Carragher warned, "It can't go on forever." Slot's summer gamble has failed spectacularly-leaving the club's once-unshakable faith in its managers facing an unprecedented test.
