It had been a challenging week for Liverpool manager Arne Slot. After a devastating loss to Tottenham, the pressure on him was mounting, and much of the blame was being directed at one player—Maximilian “Max” Rieder.
Once regarded as a future star of the club, Max’s recent performances had been dismal. A series of critical errors, poor decisions, and a lack of effort had threatened Liverpool’s title hopes.
In his office, surrounded by the weight of Liverpool’s history, Arne stared at the tactical board, deep in thought.
The door creaked open, and Max entered, his expression a blend of resolve and anxiety. He knew this meeting was going to be tough.
“Sit down, Max,” Arne said without glancing up.
Max complied, his nerves on edge. His usual confidence had faded after weeks of underperforming, and he now felt as if he were walking a fine line.
After a brief silence, Arne finally turned to face him, his face cold and filled with disappointment. “After your display against Tottenham,” he began, his voice sharp yet controlled, “do you really think I can count on you for another crucial match? My reputation is at stake here, and I can’t let one player derail everything I’ve worked to build.”
Max’s stomach sank. He had known his mistakes had been costly, but hearing it from Arne felt like a devastating blow. This wasn’t just about a bad match—it was about his entire future at Liverpool, a future he had dreamed of and fought for.
“You were on the pitch, Max,” Arne continued, pacing now. “But instead of playing with the heart and intelligence this team demands, you became a liability. I’ve given you plenty of opportunities, but against Tottenham, you let us down. I can’t afford to let that happen again, especially now with so much at stake.”
Max wanted to speak, to apologize, to explain how hard he was trying to regain his form, but the words stuck in his throat. He knew Arne wouldn’t want excuses. The manager had seen his potential, but the flaws in his performances were impossible to ignore.
Arne leaned forward, his gaze intense. “This isn’t about you, Max. It’s about the team and this club’s legacy. If you can’t focus and deliver, you’ll have to find another place to do it.”
Max felt the weight of those words. He knew his time at Liverpool could end as quickly as it had started. He had been given opportunities most players could only dream of, but now, he was on the verge of losing it all.
“I’ll fix this,” Max said quietly but with resolve. “I promise. I’ll work harder and make it right.”
Arne nodded, though his expression remained stern. “I hope you do, Max. But until you prove it on the pitch, I can’t take any more risks. Remember—you’re not irreplaceable.”
As Max walked out of the office, Arne’s words echoed in his mind. On his way to the locker room, he wondered if he could earn back the trust he had lost. Would he find a way back into the team, or had his mistakes cost him everything he had worked for at Liverpool?
