Liverpool’s Arne Slot Faces Pressure After Champions League Setback but Vows to ‘Fight On’

Liverpool manager Arne Slot remains under the spotlight following a crushing 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven, but insists he and his squad will continue to fight despite mounting pressure at Anfield.

The Dutch manager, who led Liverpool to their 20th Premier League title in May, acknowledged that discussions with the club’s owners after the loss were “the same conversations” he has had since joining Anfield. Slot emphasized that despite the poor run of form, he is determined to lead the team through the current storm.

“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.

Liverpool’s Struggles in 2025

Liverpool’s recent performances have been alarming for fans and pundits alike. With nine defeats in 12 matches across all competitions, this marks the club’s worst run in 71 years. The Reds are currently 12th in the Premier League with a record of six wins and six losses, while their Champions League campaign has also faltered, leaving them 13th in the 36-team group stage.

Despite a summer investment of almost £450 million, including a British record £125 million signing of forward Alexander Isak, Liverpool have struggled to replicate the dominance of their previous title-winning season.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher noted that while the club “is not a sacking club,” the pressure on managers at elite clubs can reach a point where it becomes “untenable.”

Slot Addresses Pressure and Squad Issues

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with West Ham, Slot admitted that the team is under “a different kind of pressure” due to their losing streak.

“When you start losing more games than this club, players or the manager are used to, it creates a lot of pressure. But it’s about doing what this club is about: keep fighting no matter how difficult it is,” Slot said.

Slot confirmed that goalkeeper Alisson Becker is expected to return from injury and that forward Hugo Ekitike’s recent injury “shouldn’t be a big issue.” Additionally, young midfielder Florian Wirtz is on the verge of completing his rehabilitation and could be available for training.

Mohamed Salah’s Form a Key Concern

Internal discussions at Liverpool have raised concerns about the form of star forward Mohamed Salah. While the Egyptian international has scored seven goals in 25 appearances since signing his new contract in April, this represents a dip from the prolific standards he has maintained over the past eight years at the club. Salah did not start in Liverpool’s 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, their best attacking performance in the last 12 matches.

Liverpool are also exploring the transfer market ahead of January, with an eye on Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The centre-back will be available on a free transfer in July, though he has multiple options across Europe.

Ibrahima Konaté: Liverpool Will ‘Fight Back’

Defensive errors have contributed to Liverpool’s struggles this season, with the team conceding 20 goals in 12 Premier League games. Centre-back Ibrahima Konaté, who was at fault for PSV’s third goal, responded on social media:

“We have to take this moment on the chest. Criticism is part of football, and we’ll fight back every time and come through this storm.”

Konaté, 26, will be out of contract in the summer, adding further scrutiny on the Liverpool backline as Slot seeks to stabilize the squad in the coming months.

Looking Ahead

Despite the poor run of form, Slot retains the backing of Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes and chief executive Michael Edwards. The Dutch manager’s Premier League title-winning debut provides him with credibility, while the club’s long-term approach suggests he will not face an immediate threat to his position.

Liverpool now face a critical period in both domestic and European competitions, with the manager calling on his players to restore confidence and deliver performances worthy of the reigning champions.

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