Under Pressure at Anfield
Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted that his discussions with the club’s ownership after their 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven were “the same conversations” he has been having since arriving at Anfield. Despite the mounting pressure following nine losses in 12 games, Slot insisted the club will continue to fight and improve.
“We’ve had the same conversations that we’ve had since I got here. We fight on. We try to improve, but the conversations have been the same as they have been for the last one and a half years,” Slot said.
The Dutch manager guided Liverpool to their 20th league title in May and oversaw nearly £450m in summer signings, including a British record £125m deal for Alexander Isak. However, the reigning champions currently sit 12th in the Premier League and 13th in the 36-team Champions League table, struggling to find form this season.
Concerns on and off the pitch
Slot acknowledged the added pressure of consecutive defeats but emphasized the need for resilience: “There is a lot of pressure if you work or play at a top club. And then there is even more when you start losing more games than this club, players or the manager are used to… In the end, it’s about doing what this club is about. Keep fighting no matter how difficult it is.”
He also provided updates on player fitness, with goalkeeper Alisson back in training and forward Florian Wirtz expected to return to training soon.
Internal Reflections and Future Plans
Despite the struggles, sources confirmed that Slot’s position is not under immediate threat. The Dutchman retains the support of sporting director Richard Hughes and chief executive Michael Edwards, who were instrumental in his appointment. Liverpool’s management recognizes the challenges of the summer, including Diogo Jota’s death and the £400m squad investment, which has taken time to integrate.
One key concern, however, is the dip in form of star forward Mohamed Salah. “The Egyptian has scored seven goals in 25 games since his new contract was announced in April, which would be a good return for some, but by his standards, it’s below expectations,” a source noted.
Liverpool are reportedly exploring a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi in the January transfer window, aiming to strengthen their defensive options.
Players determined to respond
Centre-back Ibrahima Konate, who has faced criticism for errors this season including one leading to PSV’s third goal, shared a defiant message: “We know we need to improve… Criticism is part of football, and we’ll fight back every time and come through this storm.”
Konate’s comments reflect the squad’s determination to recover from a disastrous run, while Slot continues to manage the balance between pressure, criticism, and rebuilding a squad capable of returning Liverpool to the top of both domestic and European competitions.
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