Liverpool's 1-4 loss to PSV in the fifth matchday of the Champions League at Anfield mid-week marked their ninth defeat in their last 12 matches, the club's worst run since 1954. The Merseyside team also endured three consecutive losses by a margin of three goals or more, a streak not seen since 1953.

This dismal form has put Slot's position in jeopardy. To remedy the situation, fans and experts are urging him to drop underperforming key players like Ibrahima Konate or Mohamed Salah, alongside calls for a radical change in the team's operational approach.

Coach Slot (left) instructs Virgil van Dijk during Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor, Burnley, Lancashire, England on 14/9/2025. Photo: PA Wire

However, Slot rejected the idea of a major overhaul, emphasizing that the team currently lacks the personnel to switch tactics. "If someone wants us to play with five defenders, that's impossible. I don't even have five defenders", he said during a press conference before the match against West Ham in the 13th round of the Premier League.

According to the Dutch coach, the four-defender system Liverpool currently employs is the most suitable for the players, who have also been accustomed to this style of play for almost their entire careers.

This season, Liverpool's defenders include Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Milos Kerkez, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Andy Robertson, and Jeremie Frimpong. Among these, Bradley, Leoni, and Frimpong are currently injured. The lack of defensive options has forced Dominik Szoboszlai, primarily a midfielder, to play as a right-back multiple times since the start of the season.

Slot noted that the constant squad rotation due to injuries has led to inconsistent play. Additionally, the demanding match schedule has been a factor. "We hardly have any training time when we have to play seven matches in 22 days", he added.

Despite these challenges, the 47-year-old coach believes the squad's quality is sufficient to guide Liverpool through this difficult period. He cited Manchester City's situation last season, when they won only one of 13 matches before making a strong comeback, as clear evidence. "There are many reasons for our poor run of matches, but none are sufficient to excuse the results", Slot admitted. "Manchester City also overcame a similar phase because they had quality. We do too. The important thing is for the entire team, and myself, to find a way to maximize the players' abilities to get the team back on track".

Slot also revealed that he has received more encouragement than usual from his father, Arend Slot, after losing nine of the last 12 matches. "He used to be very strict, especially last season when we won the championship", Slot shared. "But now it's different. As a father, he understands the difficulties I'm going through and always tries to be supportive instead of adding more pressure".

Hong Duy (according to The Guardian)