By Sam French

Following a string of disappointing results, questions are being asked about Arne Slot’s position at Liverpool. After a second defeat to Crystal Palace in a matter of weeks, is the pressure mounting on the Liverpool boss?  

The Slot Machine has Stuttered

Six defeats in seven is never good for any manager, particularly when expectations are high and those in charge of football clubs- as well as fans- want immediate success. It’s a luxury to be given time. Liverpool’s a club where the expectations are high- they expect to be competing for- and winning- titles. Exiting the Carabao Cup this week and currently down to 7th in the Premier League falls below those expectations.  

Arne Slot, of course, delivered the Premier League title just months ago at the end of his first season so that will buy him some time. There aren’t thousands- or even hundreds- of people calling for him to go but he will be under pressure. He’ll say that it’s inevitable as all football managers must live with that, but the results are worrying at the moment.

Pressure is at an all-time high for Arne Slot

The summer came with big investment- players such as Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez all joining for substantial fees. Some big-name players who, largely, haven’t really set the world alight since joining. Slot’s only signing in 2024 was Federico Chiesa so the incomings this year- on the back of winning the title- left many thinking the Reds would simply go from strength to strength and carry on their winning. 

The start of the season saw Liverpool win their opening five- it was entertaining but on numerous occasions late goals were needed to gain the three points. Winning is what matters- and maybe it’s a case of looking back with a critical eye but in hindsight some of the defensive issues were there then and have worsened. Much was made of the failure to sign Marc Guehi and- it’s a bigger debate than that- but something isn’t right. It’s the manner in which goals are being conceded.

Wins have dried up, Rio Ngumoha's late-winner at Newcastle feels like a distant memory

A sense of unease is setting in. The football that once looked fluid now feels frantic. The intensity remains, but it’s not under control - it’s chaotic. The tactical flexibility that earned Slot praise in the early weeks has changed into uncertainty. A team once known for its structure now looks unsure who’s supposed to be where and looks, at times, rather weak. 

Wednesday’s 3–0 defeat to Crystal Palace, albeit with a heavily rotated side, won’t have helped. The decision to rest senior players ahead of a brutal run against an improved Aston Villa, European giants Real Madrid, and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City may have been logical, but it was also a chance missed to get some momentum and a positive result ahead of that run. Fans care about results and right now, Liverpool are losing too often, in too many ways.