Arne Slot is coming under real pressure at Liverpool after losing horribly against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The Reds had looked set to embark on a slightly ‘easier’ fixture list following the international break, with the chance to right their impossibly bad run of form.
However, instead of a reprieve, Liverpool sank deeper into the hole they have created. A 3-0 loss against a side who started the day second from bottom in the Premier League represents arguably the worst result of Slot’s tenure.
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Perhaps even worse than the results, if that is possible, are the performances. Liverpool look like a team – and Slot looks like a manager – who are completely out of ideas.
With supporters looking to their head coach for answers on how to get out of the current nightmare slump, he has provided a potential solution.
Unfortunately, Slot’s explanation for why his team cannot continue to be so poor will not stand up to scrutiny.
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, looks dejected following defeat in the Premier League match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Anfield
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Arne Slot suggests Liverpool are too good to fail
Probably the most baffling part of Liverpool’s disastrous season so far is that on paper, their squad is stronger than the one which won the title last season.
The Reds added to the team handsomely over the summer, bringing in players of real quality.
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But instead of seeing them thrive and take their football to another level, to a man they have struggled. Throw in the current star players at Liverpool underperforming and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
Nevertheless, speaking in his post-match press conference on Saturday, Slot suggested that the quality of player at his disposal means there is a ‘way out’ of Liverpool’s current predicament.
Should Liverpool sack Arne Slot?
Arne Slot following Liverpool v Nottingham Forest - Premier League
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
“Of course there is a way out, especially with the quality players we have,” said the Dutchman.
“I think no matter if you win or you lose, if you make a line-up and if you make substitutions and when you look back you’re always thinking about, ‘Where can we do better? Where can we adjust?’ But that’s something else than doubting yourself.”
If Slot is simply relying on the quality of his players and nothing else, Liverpool fans should be worried. Those same players have gotten them into this mess and so far there is little to suggest they can get them out.
Quality can only take you so far in the Premier League
There is little question that Liverpool have an unbelievably talented squad, arguably the best in the club’s long history. But that clearly is not enough.
The reason for most of Liverpool’s losses this season has been the opposition simply out-battling them on the day.
That can happen in the Premier League. You can come up against a team, like Forest, who are threatened by relegation, but they will fight you for every single ball. If you are not at it physically and mentally, you will get beaten.
Should Liverpool sack Arne Slot?
“I want to emphasis one more time that I am responsible for the current losses. You are responsible when you’re winning, but you are also responsible when you’re losing.”
Arne Slot after Liverpool’s defeat to Nottingham Forest
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot reacts during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Anfield
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
This could now potentially be an even bigger problem for Liverpool. Teams absolutely know now that they can beat the champions if they match their effort and application, which has not been difficult recently.
Top players at times can rely on talent and fail to put the hard yards in. When things go against them that can actually have a negative effect instead of galvanising them.
No, quality will absolutely not be enough to get Liverpool out the other side of this bad patch. Slot is going to have to come up with something else, and fast.