Liverpool: Champions League humiliation puts pressure on Arne Slot as Reds need solution to struggles

Liverpool’s superb start was followed by six defeats in seven games, leading to concerns and rumors of a crisis.

Things began to improve in early November, with victories against Aston Villa and Real Madrid boosting morale and offering hope of a return to form.

But in the end, they proved to be a momentary respite, not a permanent change in their fortunes.

A 3-0 defeat to Manchester City just before the international break was tough, but it could be against Pep Guardiola’s team.

But defeat by the same scoreline at Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest left them 12th in the Premier League and this has now been followed by an embarrassing defeat against PSV; They finished only second in their last 26 pre-qualifiers at Anfield in this tournament.

This has left Slot with the huge task of returning his side to the top half of the Premier League and continuing their quest for a top eight place after falling to 13th in the Champions League league stage.

“I don’t think there should be a knee-jerk reaction, I think this is a very difficult moment for Liverpool for one reason or another, but I would say that at the start of the season, when we were winning, things weren’t right,” Warnock added.

Sacking managers at the first sign of trouble is not a tactic Liverpool often employ. Let’s also not forget that last year Slot oversaw the best ever start (eight wins in his first 10 senior games) by a Reds boss replacing Jurgen Klopp.

However, summer transfers did not work out and this put him under pressure.

Record transfer Alexander Isak has not yet reached the target, German playmaker Florian Wirtz continues to be injured and left-back Milos Kerkez continues to struggle.

However, on Wednesday, Slot made only two substitutions and his team fell behind. One of them was Isak from fellow new signing Hugo Ekitike, who appeared to be out with an injury, while the other was Italian striker Federico Chiesa for Ibrahima Konate in another difficult night for the French defender.

“This run was a shock to everyone,” Slot admitted.

“For the players, for me. I don’t shock easily and this is very unexpected. Individually we can do better, but that goes for everyone, including me.”

Perhaps the brightest spark was Dominik Szoboszlai.

Returning to his midfield role against PSV, he not only provided goals but also energy and attacking threat, and also found a way to prove that he was much better used than his right-back position.

“With every defeat we get closer to the crisis,” former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard told TNT Sports. “I don’t think Liverpool are in that situation. [yet] – the crisis is very strong.

“There is no excuse for such a performance at this football club.”

“You can’t deny that the team is struggling hard, they’re on a terrible run, their confidence is at an all-time low and the future is wide open.

“This situation will continue if the manager cannot find the necessary answers and stability in his team.”

But PSV was never going to be an easy fixture for Slot to try to get his players back on track.

The former Feyenoord boss has won just one of his last eight matches against an Eredivisie outfit in all competitions (D3 L4) and has never suffered more defeats against a team in his managerial career.

Slot said he was not worried about his future at the club and was instead focusing on turning things around.

“I need to do better, I try to do that every day to improve the team and that is my main focus,” the 47-year-old added.