Liverpool slump deepens as Arne Slot faces mounting pressure after PSV thrashing

Liverpool began the season with seven straight wins and looked primed to defend the Premier League title while pushing deep in Europe. A 4-1 defeat to PSV at Anfield has now sparked serious questions about the Reds’ direction and the pace of their rebuilding.

The club’s form has plummeted from early-season optimism to one of the toughest spells in decades, with nine defeats in 12 games—the worst run since 1953-54—and three straight losses by three goals for the first time since December 1953. Add seven goals conceded in five days at Anfield, and the mood around the ground has shifted markedly.

Midfield talisman Curtis Jones admitted the current spell is unacceptable and spoke of a sense of disbelief among the squad, underscoring the frustration in the dressing room.

Slot under pressure to find answers

Arne Slot is under growing scrutiny as he works to restore balance and confidence. Former Liverpool full-back Stephen Warnock stressed that defeats are piling up and the team looks short of the fight that supporters expect, warning that the problem feels broader than a single bad run.

Liverpool’s early-season success, which followed Slot’s impressive start after replacing Jurgen Klopp, has not translated this term. The summer signings have struggled to settle, while some players who delivered last season have failed to reach similar levels. Isak, Wirtz, and Kerkez have not yet made the desired impact, complicating Slot’s reshuffle.

Against PSV, Slot made only two substitutions, including a swap that saw Hugo Ekitike come on for Isak and Federico Chiesa for Ibrahima Konate, reflecting the struggle to turn the game around. Slot conceded the run is a shock for everyone but insisted he is focused on daily improvement and stability for the team.

Dominik Szoboszlai has emerged as a bright spark, reinforcing his central midfield role with energy and a goal against PSV. Yet critics argue that one positive performance cannot mask deeper issues in the squad and game plan.

The bigger picture and what lies ahead

Liverpool’s Champions League campaign remains on life support, and the latest result leaves them outside the top eight in the group stage. They now face a tricky schedule with Inter Milan and Marseille looming, while a Sunday clash with West Ham in the Premier League looms large as a potential turning point.

Experts say the club must demonstrate more consistency and a clear plan to regain form. The focus now is on rebuilding confidence, getting key new players up to speed, and finding a more cohesive style that can withstand the challenges of both the league and Europe.

While some pundits stress that this is not yet a full-blown crisis, the window for a quick turnaround is closing. The club’s leadership and dressing room cohesion will be tested in the coming fixtures as the team aims to climb back into contention.

What comes next

Liverpool must show a rapid improvement in performance and results to halt the slide. The next run of fixtures will be pivotal in determining whether Slot can stabilise the club and steer them back toward the top eight in Europe and a respectable position in the league.

Key Takeaways

• Slot faces mounting pressure as results fail to click and new signings battle to settle.
• Szoboszlai remains a positive, offering energy and moments of influence in midfield.
• Upcoming games against Inter, Marseille, and West Ham will be crucial for signaling a genuine turnaround.
• There is a need for a clear strategic plan and renewed team coherence to restore confidence.

Expert insight

Analysts say the slump appears more systemic than a temporary dip, and a clear plan plus better execution from the squad is essential to stabilise the team in the short term.

Summary

Liverpool’s season has taken a sharp turn from optimism to crisis mode as results slide across competitions. The failure to translate early momentum into sustained form has put Arne Slot under intense scrutiny, with summer signings yet to deliver and a squad in need of cohesion. The next fixtures are critical in determining whether the Reds can arrest the decline and re-establish their status in the Premier League and Champions League.

Key insight: Liverpool’s slump underscores the need for strong leadership and immediate, cohesive improvement to halt the slide. BBC Sport