A Crisis Few Saw Coming
Six months ago the idea of Arne Slot coming under severe scrutiny at Liverpool would have been dismissed as nonsense. The Dutchman had just delivered the club’s 20th league title, restoring belief and swagger to Anfield. Yet by late November the mood has shifted dramatically. A bruising 4-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven, the ninth loss in 12 matches, has plunged Liverpool into their worst run of form in more than seven decades. They now sit 12th in the Premier League and 13th in the expanded Champions League league phase.
The club spent heavily in the summer, investing almost £450 million, including a British-record £125 million on Alexander Isak. Expectations soared. Instead, performances have collapsed. For the first time, supporters are openly questioning whether Slot is the man to halt the slide.
A Shocking Decline
If the 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend was alarming, the capitulation against PSV at Anfield felt like a new low. For many supporters and observers, it symbolised a team without direction, intensity or belief.
Liverpool fan representative Josh Sexton summed up the mood when he told BBC Sport that the team keep “finding ways to hit new lows under Arne Slot”. He added that the dominant question surrounding the club is now whether the manager is capable of rescuing the side from such a deep slump.
Slot was always dealing with a difficult legacy after following Jurgen Klopp, but last season he managed that transition with confidence. Liverpool stormed to the title, finishing 10 points ahead of Arsenal. Those achievements bought the Dutchman goodwill among fans and earned him patience. But as the defeats mount and performances worsen, credit is rapidly diminishing.
A Summer of Upheaval
The turbulence of the summer did Slot few favours. The exits of key figures, notably Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz, forced a reshaping of the squad. The tragic death of Diogo Jota cast a shadow over pre-season preparations. New additions arrived in large numbers, yet settling them into a cohesive structure has proved far more difficult than expected.
Despite this, voices like Sexton still urge some degree of patience. He argued that Slot should be given the opportunity to rebuild, saying he is willing to see the manager “have a go at fixing this”. His message reflects a wider sentiment within parts of the fanbase: gratitude for last season’s triumph, concern about the current direction, and uncertainty over the club’s long-term plan.
The Weight of Expectations
Liverpool is a club steeped in tradition and defined by stability. Former defender Jamie Carragher, appearing on CBS Sports, emphasised that Liverpool are “not a sacking club” and stressed the importance of patience. Yet even he acknowledged that situations can reach a tipping point, warning that every manager eventually faces a moment where the position becomes untenable.
Carragher reserved much of his anger for the players, insisting he has generally supported the manager. But he admitted the trajectory cannot continue forever. For some supporters, that line has already been crossed.
Slot’s Response: Calm but Under Pressure
Speaking after the PSV defeat, Slot remained composed. The manager insisted he feels supported by the hierarchy and expressed confidence that he can steer the club back on course. “I am feeling safe, I am OK, I have got a lot of support from above,” he said.
Slot accepted that questions will naturally arise when results are so poor. His focus, he claimed, is simply on turning performances around. Upcoming fixtures offer a potential lifeline: away to struggling West Ham, then matches against promoted sides Sunderland and Leeds. Anything less than a strong return from those games could accelerate the crisis.
The manager said he has regular conversations with the club’s leadership, and although he had not spoken to them immediately after the PSV defeat, he emphasised that he feels trusted in general. Yet trust at Liverpool has limits, particularly when results show no sign of improving.
Supporters Losing Faith
Among fans, concerns are rising rapidly. Many believe the football is directionless. Others argue that Slot’s tactical approach does not fit the squad’s strengths. The voices from supporters reflect a mixture of disappointment, frustration and alarm:
Sean argued that Slot dismantled a successful system and has left the team “clueless”.
Mark believes the club should wait until Christmas but fears the manager will not survive into 2026 unless results drastically improve.
Graham expressed shock at the team’s lack of fight, warning Liverpool could even drift towards relegation if form continues.
Jan described the team as “woeful” and disorganised, stating that only Dominik Szoboszlai and Hugo Ekitike performed with any pride.
Paul believes Slot looks out of his depth, insisting that “the buck stops with Slot and his coaching staff”.
Chris lamented that a decade of progress has been undone in three months, questioning the team’s motivation, leadership and identity. He described Liverpool as “very much walking alone” at present.
Colin criticised the slow, possession-based system, believing it does not suit the players or the defence.
The frustration is raw. The disunity between the manager’s vision and the squad’s strengths appears to be widening.
A Crucial Chapter Ahead
For all the anger and confusion, one truth remains: this moment could define Liverpool’s entire season. Slot must inspire a turnaround quickly. The next three matches may determine whether he keeps his job or faces the harshest consequence in Premier League management.
Liverpool’s owners have historically opted for continuity, trusting managers to solve problems rather than dismiss them. But football is a results business, and the current trajectory is unsustainable. If Liverpool continue to drift, pressure will intensify on those in charge to act.
For now, Slot still has the chance to salvage the campaign. But the margin for error has vanished. The next fortnight may prove decisive not only for the manager, but for the club’s immediate future and long-term identity.
If he cannot halt the decline soon, the unthinkable may no longer be avoided.