Arne Slot acknowledges that Liverpool is navigating one of the most challenging periods in its modern history. The 1-4 Champions League defeat to PSV at Anfield in the fifth group stage match marked the team's ninth loss in their last 12 games, representing their worst run of form since 1954. The club has also endured three consecutive defeats by three goals or more, a sequence not seen since 1953.
Despite the recent struggles, internal sources indicate that Liverpool's management maintains confidence in Slot, who led the club to the Premier League title in his debut season.
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Coach Arne Slot observes the match as Liverpool loses 1-4 to PSV at Anfield, Liverpool, United Kingdom on the evening of 26/11. Photo: Liverpool FC |
Coach Arne Slot observes the match as Liverpool loses 1-4 to PSV at Anfield, Liverpool, United Kingdom on the evening of 26/11. Photo: Liverpool FC
During a press conference held before the 13th Premier League match against West Ham, Slot addressed questions about his future. He stated, "We continue to have conversations, as we have since the day I arrived. We will keep fighting, keep trying to improve. You always have to find answers to win a football match, but above all, you have to maintain the spirit of this club: fighting and standing together."
The Dutch manager views the intense pressure at Liverpool as a normal part of the job. "Working at a big club always brings pressure, and it's even greater when you lose more matches than usual," he explained. "Last year, we were under pressure to win the league. Now it's a different kind of pressure due to a poor run of results. But I don't have to be on the pitch; the players are the ones facing all that mental impact."
Slot emphasized his consistent review of decisions and actions throughout the week, even after wins, in an effort to help the team improve. The 47-year-old coach admitted that Liverpool is currently paying a heavy price for small mistakes.
"We also need to credit ourselves for the moments we play well," he expressed. "Currently, everyone only looks at the parts where we play poorly, and that's true. But in many moments, we play well, create countless chances, yet fail to convert them. Conversely, just one small mistake costs the team a goal. It's a very bad combination."
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Van Dijk's handball leads to a penalty for PSV against Liverpool. Photo: Reuters |
Van Dijk's handball leads to a penalty for PSV against Liverpool. Photo: Reuters
The decline in form of key players such as Ibrahima Konate, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk has negatively impacted Liverpool's overall performance. Slot indicated he is considering giving opportunities to reserve players like Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo for the upcoming match against West Ham. "They train and always have a chance to show what they can do," he stressed. "It's a balancing act: if I don't change, everyone says I should; but when I do change, people complain. I am considering it, but I cannot say anything definitive for sunday."
Regarding the squad's fitness, Slot confirmed that goalkeeper Alisson, who missed the PSV match due to illness, has returned to training and is ready for the game in London. Florian Wirtz might also make a return, while Hugo Ekitike, a forward injured during the PSV match, is uncertain to recover in time.
Hong Duy (according to Sky Sports, Liverpool FC)
