Liverpool don’t have much time to feel sorry for themselves on the back of Saturday’s resounding defeat against Nottingham Forest.
The Reds are embarking upon a punishing run of fixtures in the lead-up to the festive schedule and will face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Their form in Europe has offered something of a reprieve to Liverpool so far this season, with the Reds winning three out of four in the Champions League.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
Another win at Anfield would be a big step closer to qualification for the last-16, which would be very welcome amid disastrous domestic form.
For Arne Slot, the Champions League may now be the only way he can secure his long-term future with Liverpool. Continue to do well and go all the way on the continent, then all will be forgiven back home.
As a result, with so much pressure on the Liverpool head coach, Wednesday’s game against the Eredivisie leaders has taken on even greater importance.
Arne Slot gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Liverpool
Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images
Arne Slot has to go further in Europe with Liverpool
In top form heading into last spring, Liverpool looked likely to go deep into the Champions League last season.
They were unlucky that they ultimately came up against a PSG side hitting their straps, but the Reds still should have gone further.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
READ MORE: Gary Neville tells Arne Slot how to change his Liverpool starting XI, but it simply isn’t possible
How far will Liverpool go in this year’s Champions League?
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Final
Photo by Harold Cunningham – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
2017/18 – Runners-up
2018/19 – Winners
2019/20 – Last-16
2020/21 – Quarter-final
2021/22 – Runners-up
2022/23 – Last-16
2024/25 – Last-16
2025/26 – ?
A similar result this season – coupled with Liverpool’s dire domestic form – could end up doing for Slot.
But if he can steady the ship in Europe and lead the Reds towards their seventh title, fans will allow him a year off in the Premier League.
On the back of Saturday, Liverpool absolutely have to show a response against PSV. If they do, it could strengthen the feeling that they have what it takes to put up a fight in the Champions League despite their current state.
But lose once again, at Anfield no less, and the sharks will begin to sharpen their teeth. Slot may be one step away from the sack.
Liverpool will meet PSV in top form
A home Champions League game against any Eredivisie team would ordinarily be expected to be a win for Liverpool – and probably a comfortable one at that.
Do you think Jurgen Klopp will re-join Liverpool?
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Final
Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
However, PSV are no ordinary team from the Netherlands. Peter Bosz’s side have won the last two Dutch titles and are on course to make it a hat-trick.
After 13 matches they sit six points clear of second-place Feyenoord having won 11 times, drawn once and lost only once.
PSV beat an albeit rotated Liverpool team last season and they head to Anfield on an 11-match unbeaten run.
If Slot can overcome his old Eredivisie adversaries, it would feel like a big moment for him personally and for Liverpool’s season. But it won’t be easy, and if the Reds fall to defeat again