Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces a defining moment in his tenure as the Reds prepare for Sunday's clash with West Ham. Slot has suffered nine defeats in 12 games across all competitions, representing the club's worst run of form in more than 70 years.
The crisis reached a new low Wednesday night when PSV Eindhoven thrashed Liverpool 4-1 at Anfield in the Champions League. It marked the third consecutive defeat by a three-goal margin, following 3-0 losses to Nottingham Forest and Manchester City in the Premier League.
Liverpool currently sit 12th in the Premier League table with just 18 points from 12 matches. The team that won the league title in Slot's debut season now finds itself below fierce rivals Everton and Manchester United.
Carragher sets one-week deadline
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher delivered a stark ultimatum in his Telegraph column. "Arne Slot has a week to save his job," Carragher wrote, demanding seven points from upcoming matches against West Ham, Sunderland and Leeds.
"No matter how much goodwill the manager has, Liverpool Football Club cannot sustain the drop in standards witnessed over the past three months," Carragher stated in the Telegraph. He acknowledged that "Liverpool do not willingly sack coaches, especially those that bring great success" but warned the situation could become "untenable".
Carragher also criticized key players, particularly Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk, suggesting "their legs have just gone".
Slot remains defiant
Despite mounting pressure, Slot maintained a fighting stance following the PSV defeat. "I am feeling safe, I am OK. I have got a lot of support from above," he said at Thursday's press conference, adding: "I am OK with my position."
The manager acknowledged the scrutiny was natural given results. "If you are not doing well, then it is normal that questions are asked," Slot told reporters. "We fight on. And we try to improve, that is what we all try."
Slot insisted he felt trust from the club hierarchy. "They don't call every single minute of the day to say they trust me, but in the normal conversations we have, I feel the trust," he explained.
Klopp return speculation intensifies
Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has emerged as a potential solution to the crisis. Reports suggest Liverpool could approach Klopp for an interim role until season's end if Slot is dismissed.
Klopp, now Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer, previously stated on the Diary of a CEO podcast in October that a return to management was "theoretically possible". However, he also emphasized: "I don't miss anything [about being a manager]."
German journalist Marcel Reif told BILD the timing of Klopp's comments was "terrible" for Slot, describing Klopp as "hovering over Anfield like a UFO". Reif argued it would be "negligent" if Liverpool didn't attempt to bring Klopp back.
Liverpool identify long-term replacement
According to reports, Liverpool's owners have earmarked PSG manager Luis Enrique as their preferred long-term successor to Slot. Enrique guided PSG to their first Champions League triumph last season and previously won a treble with Barcelona in 2015.
The plan would involve approaching Klopp as a temporary measure until season's end, then pursuing Enrique for a permanent appointment.
Historical precedent offers hope
Slot's predicament mirrors a crisis Jurgen Klopp faced during the 2020/21 campaign. That season, played entirely behind closed doors due to Covid-19, saw Liverpool suffer six consecutive home defeats despite having won the league title by 18 points the previous year.
Klopp told Match of the Day at the time: "This team is an extreme team. We were extremely successful and now we have an extreme situation as well but we will fight through."
Liverpool rallied to win eight and draw two of their final ten games, securing third place and Champions League qualification.
Injury concerns ahead of West Ham
Slot provided updates on several injured players Thursday. He said striker Hugo Ekitike's back issue "shouldn't have to be a big issue" and midfielder Florian Wirtz could potentially train Saturday if rehab goes well.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who missed the PSV match due to illness, "trained again with the team today, so we hope and expect him to be available at the weekend," Slot confirmed.
The match at the London Stadium kicks off at 2.05pm on Sunday, broadcast on Sky Sports.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
