Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces mounting pressure following a humiliating 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven with the Dutch boss at risk of losing his job
Stephen Killen Senior Sports Content Creator and Neil Docking
08:00, 27 Nov 2025Updated 08:02, 27 Nov 2025
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is under immense pressure
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Liverpool manager Arne Slot is under immense pressure(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Liverpool legends Steven Gerrard and Steve McManaman believe it's "too early" to contemplate giving Liverpool boss Arne Slot the sack.
The Dutch manager is facing growing scrutiny following the Reds' ninth loss in 12 matches after PSV Eindhoven's crushing 4-1 victory at Anfield. Gerrard backed his former team-mate's view on the ex-Feyenoord chief's position on Merseyside.
But the former Reds captain acknowledged "serious questions" would be posed about the Premier League-winning boss. Following the crushing blow from the Eredivisie outfit, the Reds have now slipped out of the automatic qualification spots for the Champions League knockout stages.
In European competition, Liverpool must navigate challenging away fixtures against Inter Milan and Marseille before hosting Qarabag at Anfield for their final group encounter.
Yet the Dutchman is encountering mounting demands to be shown the door at Anfield following a dismal sequence of nine losses from their previous 12 outings. Nevertheless, McManaman and Gerrard quickly came to his support, reports the Mirror.
Arne Slot looks down
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Arne Slot's job at Liverpool is at risk if results don't change(Image: Getty Images)
Former winger McManaman said: "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.
"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.
Former Liverpool player, Steven Gerrard talks pitch side as part of the TNT Sports commentary team prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield on November 01, 2025 in Liverpool, England
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Steven Gerrard and Steve McManaman were on punditry duty for TNT Sports when Liverpool faced PSV Eindhoven(Image: Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
"If anything, they've detracted from the team, they look lopsided. 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, who said he wouldn't use the word "crisis" at this stage, said: "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."
Steven Gerrard.
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Steven Gerrard spoke about Liverpool's plight(Image: TNT Sports)
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Virgil van Dijk bore responsibility for the opening goal as the hosts were handed yet another dreadful start when the Liverpool skipper was penalised for a handball inside the penalty area.
Dominik Szoboszlai struck back to level for the Reds before Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike and Virgil van Dijk came close before half-time. Alexis Mac Allister, Van Dijk and Gakpo all had chances to put Liverpool ahead.
Nevertheless, they failed to capitalise and PSV took advantage of a series of mistakes from Liverpool as Guus Til and a Couhaib Driouech brace piled on the agony for Slot.