Steve McManaman and Steven Gerrard reached an agreement that it remains "too early" to consider sacking Liverpool boss Arne Slot. The Dutch head coach faces mounting scrutiny following the Reds' ninth loss in 12 matches, the latest being PSV's commanding 4-1 triumph at Anfield. Former Liverpool captain Gerrard echoed his ex-Anfield colleague's view on the Slot's position. However, he suggested that "serious questions" would be posed to the Premier League-winning coach.
Following the setback against the Eredivisie outfit, the Reds have now slipped outside the automatic qualification spots for the Champions League last-16. In European competition, Liverpool must navigate challenging away fixtures at Inter Milan and Marseille before hosting Qarabag at Anfield in their final group match.
Slot is facing growing demands to be removed from his position at Anfield following a sequence of nine losses in their previous 12 outings. Nevertheless, McManaman and Gerrard were quick to support him.
"I think no. I think it's far too early, what he's achieved and where he is now this year, that's a good run of fixtures," said McManaman.
"I understand the question completely but with that run of fixtures, Liverpool still fighting in the Champions League, it's far too early to come up with a question like that. They will have to be knocked out of the Champions League and wallowing at the bottom of the league.
"I think they play Arsenal second week in Jan, that's when the question should be asked. Hopefully they'll have climbed the table. You have to give him time for the signings, who have constantly been injured, they're ones you'd expect to come in and lift the team.
"If anything, they've detracted from the team, they look lobsided. It's far too early to ask a manager that question when he's achieved so much in a small space of time, I do understand the world we live in, that question will be bandied around."
Gerrard added: "That's the world we live in, that's football in the modern day. I've been in that position myself.
"You understand that if you're not getting the results, there is going to be serious questions asked, stewards inquiry, that comes with the territory especially at the top end.
"I agree Macca, from me and you because we lived through it and suffered. I've been both sides. It's going to come."
Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk was at fault for the opening goal as the visitors endured yet another dreadful start, following the Dutchman's handball inside the box.
Dominik Szoboszlai struck back to level matters for the Reds before Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike and Van Dijk threatened prior to half-time. Alexis Mac Allister, Van Dijk and Gakpo all had chances to put Liverpool ahead.
But they were unable to capitalise and PSV punished a series of mistakes from Liverpool as Guus Til and a Couhaib Driouech brace made matters worse for Slot.