9 defeats in 12 games
©IMAGO
Liverpool FC’s crisis has worsened further after the bitter 4-1 defeat in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven. Coach Arne Slot’s team had overcome an early deficit, but then experienced another home debacle a few days after a 3-0 defeat in the Premier League against Kellerkind Nottingham Forest. “This is a shock – for the players, for the journalists, for me, for all of us,” Slot said after the game. “This is very, very, very unexpected when you look at our quality.”
The English press immediately attacked the 47-year-old sharply after the debacle. “The horror game at Anfield plunges Arne Slot into a full-blown crisis after another embarrassing disaster – it’s obvious his Reds stars have nothing left to give,” wrote the Daily Mail. The Telegraph headlined the worst crisis in 72 years and spoke of a humiliation that was much more than a crisis.
The coach, who was criticized, was also able to find positive things in the defeat. “We got back into the game and had enough chances to make it 2-1 – I think no one expected us to lose 4-1 at halftime,” said Slot on “TNT Sports”, who again had to make do without the injured Florian Wirtz (22).
A Liverpool legend saw the game less positively. “They concede too many goals, they are too open, they are vulnerable and unstable,” said Steven Gerrard. “Anfield tells a story. The seats are empty,” emphasized the TV expert, referring to the dissatisfied fans who had already left the stadium early against Nottingham last weekend. “Liverpool’s problems are getting bigger and the pressure is increasing,” said Gerrard.
Despite the crisis: Slot is not worried about Liverpool’s job
The English champions have already suffered six defeats in the Premier League and are only in twelfth place. Only four title holders started the new season even worse, and only one conceded more goals. Across all competitions, Liverpool have lost nine of their last twelve games. In the Champions League, the Reds slipped to 13th place. However, Slot doesn’t feel afraid for his job.
“I have a lot of support from the club management,” said the Dutchman at the press conference after the debacle. “It’s not the first time I’ve been in a difficult situation. I feel the trust.” Of course he has to improve again, but he’s “not worried – by that I mean I’m concentrating on other things than worrying about my own position.”
Slot cited poor utilization of opportunities, lack of aggressiveness and his own mistakes as reasons for the renewed defeat. “I’m trying to do as much as possible to improve the situation,” explained the 47-year-old. “Now you try to find as many answers as possible, but it’s not as easy as you might think because if it was that easy, I would have used those answers so we can win again.” Nevertheless, Slot also knows: “It’s time for us to win games.” On Sunday (3:05 p.m.) we go to 17th place in the Premier League. West Ham United.
