Arne Slot may have only been in charge of Liverpool for just over a year, but his name is already woven into the club’s illustrious history. The Dutchman’s image adorns a banner on the Kop, proudly displayed alongside icons such as Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, Kenny Dalglish, Rafael Benitez, and Jurgen Klopp — all men who delivered top-flight titles or European Cups to Anfield.

After guiding the Reds to a Premier League title in his debut season and investing nearly £450 million in a summer rebuild, expectations were sky-high. But after a lightning start of five straight league wins, Liverpool’s campaign has stuttered badly.

They now sit seventh in the table, seven points off leaders Arsenal, and their Carabao Cup exit to Crystal Palace — a 3-0 defeat at Anfield — has sparked growing frustration. With six defeats in their past seven matches, fans are beginning to question what’s gone wrong.

Slot’s decision to heavily rotate his squad for the Palace loss has become a focal point of fan anger. He made ten changes, giving two players their debuts and including three teenagers in the starting line-up, with five more on the bench. Big names like Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, and Hugo Ekitike were all left out.

Liverpool supporter Abigail Rudkin expressed her frustration, saying:
“Walking to the game last night, me and my dad got the team sheet and we were like ‘he’s sacrificed this’. I understand we’re losing games at the moment but you need to try and get that winning mentality back.”

She added:
“There are two sides of the fanbase — some want him gone already, and others, like me, are losing patience but still grateful for what he’s done. Last season felt like the end of an era after Klopp, but he gave us belief again.”

Not all fans are calling for drastic measures. Jordan Chamberlain from Empire of the Kop believes Slot should be judged over the coming week, with fixtures against Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City set to define his short-term future.

“This is the one that matters,” Chamberlain said. “If we get three bad results in the next week, then Slot’s job will be under genuine threat. But calling for his head after the Palace game is ridiculous.”

He admitted that the manager has made mistakes, though:
“Slot’s been poor at times, with some horrible tactical choices that have left us too open. We’ve missed chances, had bad luck, but that’s football. He deserves time to turn it around — and I back him to do so.”

Fellow fan Ryan agreed that while Slot’s decisions haven’t helped, the players must take accountability too.
“We don’t become a bad team overnight. Some players have been way below the standard expected at Liverpool. Slot has to make better choices, yes, but the squad must take their share of the blame.”

Beyond form and tactics, many believe deeper emotional factors are affecting Liverpool’s season. The tragic death of Diogo Jota in a car crash in July has cast a shadow over the club.

Josh Sexton from The Anfield Wrap explained:
“Key players are out of form, others are carrying knocks, and there’s a lack of continuity. But there’s also a human side — losing Jota so suddenly hit the club hard. His absence isn’t just footballing; it’s emotional, and that can’t be underestimated.”

Sexton noted that even tributes during games serve as bittersweet reminders. “You can see it in Salah’s face when fans sing Jota’s song. It’s a celebration of him, but also a trigger for grief. The dressing room is still healing, and that affects performance in ways statistics can’t show.”

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk addressed the situation earlier this month after the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.
“Nobody said it would be plain sailing,” he admitted. “We’ve had ups and downs for reasons beyond football. All we can do is stick together.”

Former Reds full-back Stephen Warnock, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, believes the emotional toll is clear.
“You’ve got a team that’s mourning. Every time the fans sing Jota’s name, you see a dip in energy. His locker is still in the dressing room — that’s a daily reminder. Some players can push through, others find it really hard.”

With growing tension around Anfield, BBC Sport asked fans whether Slot’s job should be at risk or if patience is the key.

Paschal said: “It’s just a lull. Slot will fix it. We need to give new players time to settle — patience is key.”

James argued otherwise: “If results don’t improve soon, his position must be reviewed. You can’t invest that much and fall behind this early.”

Karl countered: “We’re not a knee-jerk club. Everyone’s still dealing with the loss of Jota. Slot’s the right man for the job.”

But Barry warned: “Lose the next three and something has to change before a top-four spot slips away.”

Finally, Paul summed up the traditional Liverpool view: “We are not, and never have been, a sacking club. The talent’s there, they just haven’t clicked yet. Time, ladies and gentlemen, please.”

Slot’s challenge is now twofold — steady a wobbling team and help a grieving squad rediscover joy on the pitch. The coming fixtures could determine whether his tenure continues to mirror the glory of his debut season or begins to unravel.

For now, the Kop still raises his banner — but murmurs of doubt are creeping in. Liverpool supporters have been through enough turmoil to know that one season doesn’t define a manager. Yet, in football’s unforgiving world, sentiment only lasts so long without results.