Liverpool head coach Arne Slot remains hesitant to change the team's formation despite a brutal run of form, with nine defeats in the last 12 games.
Slot has attempted to transition Liverpool from a 4-3-3 formation and has trialed both 3-4-3 and 4-2-3-1 shapes this season. This is one of many changes implemented by the Dutchman, after sticking to the traditional 4-3-3 last season and winning the Premier League.
After a damning 4-1 defeat at home to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday, Slot is under increasing pressure to ensure that Liverpool bounces back against West Ham United on Saturday. While Slot is considering multiple options, he continues to trust his players.
Slot played a 4-3-3 during the defeat to PSV, though summer signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz were absent due to injury. As Slot continues to try to strike a balance, he believes that additional changes may not be necessary.
When asked whether he may try a new tactic against West Ham, Slot said: "I think you consider everything, but until now I have decided differently, but other players have shown in some moments in training.
"Some people think I should change more. But I made changes, and we lost a game (Palace in EFL Cup). Of course, I consider a lot."
Slot has attempted several tactical changes but results remain a concern
Slot has attempted several tactical changes but results remain a concern (Image: 2025 DeFodi Images)
Liverpool has only managed one Premier League victory since September 1, but until Wednesday night, the club still looked strong in the Champions League. After 3-0 defeats to Manchester City and Nottingham Forest, there was hope that Liverpool could respond with a dominant Champions League performance.
However, PSV outclassed Liverpool, and a second-half collapse led to a humiliating scoreline at Anfield. For now, Liverpool's owners remain fully invested in Slot, but the Dutchman is aware that all eyes are on him as he attempts to turn things around.
"A lot of pressure if you work at a top club, even more so if you lose more than this club is used to." Slot said. "There is always pressure, last year it was to win the league, but now it is a different pressure.
Virgil van Dijk is one of several Liverpool players showing their frustration this season
Virgil van Dijk is one of several Liverpool players showing their frustration this season (Image: 2025 Getty Images)
"Maybe my job is easier because I don't have to play. It's hard for every player, when we go down after 5 minutes and play well first half, and then we concede second half.
"So we get knock after knock after knock. So we keep fighting. It is what we did so well last year, and it is the minimum we expect over 90 minutes."
Slot has refused to pin the blame on his players, but did remind them of standards ahead of facing West Ham. "Let down by the players? No, not at all," Slot added.
"Although I do agree that our standards, the team, have not been at the standard we're used to. We think we can play better than we do. The focus is on the team, not the individuals. If the opposite is happening, we look at the team, not the individuals."