The Liverpool manager has begun offering explanations for why the match might not go in their favor, further intensifying doubts about his long-term future at the club.
Slot’s situation at Anfield grows more precarious each week. The disappointing 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Wednesday did little to strengthen his position, following an unconvincing 2-0 win over a struggling West Ham side the previous weekend.
Even that victory failed to reassure supporters, and Liverpool narrowly avoided what would have been their tenth loss in 14 matches before scraping a late equaliser against Sunderland.
The result leaves Liverpool slumped in ninth place in the Premier League, far below the standards expected of a team that was challenging for major titles just a season ago. They have also slipped in their Champions League group and exited the Carabao Cup, leaving fans increasingly frustrated and demanding explanations.
While Slot is not solely responsible for the crisis, he remains at the heart of it. FSG’s transfer decisions and the sudden decline of several experienced players have also come under fire.
However, Slot’s own choices have been heavily criticised. Many believe he has made too many drastic changes to a squad that recently won the league, and his tactical setups and team selections continue to raise questions among fans and analysts.
On the field, Liverpool look disorganized and uninspired. The energy, intensity, and sharpness that once defined their style have disappeared. The team appears unsure of its identity, and Slot has yet to find answers.
During Friday’s media session, Slot attempted to highlight positives, noting that Liverpool were only a deflection away from keeping clean sheets in their last two games and insisting the summer signings are slowly improving.
He also mentioned that Chelsea struggled with the same aggressive pressing used by Leeds, suggesting the style poses problems for many teams, not just Liverpool. Slot reminded reporters of Liverpool’s strong second-half fightback against Manchester City earlier in the season, though many felt his explanations sounded more like excuses than signs of real progress.
For now, the pressure on Slot remains intense, and supporters are left wondering how much longer the club will allow this decline to continue
