Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Liverpool FC and PSV Eindhoven at Anfield on November 26, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)placeholder image
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Liverpool FC and PSV Eindhoven at Anfield on November 26, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Liverpool turn their attention to facing West Ham United in the Premier League with Arne Slot under pressure to turn things around.
Jurgen Klopp was accused of being too loyal to some of his players. Even despite the German have God-like status among Liverpool supporters, it was a criticism that sections of supporters had towards him in the less favourable periods of his tenure.
Klopp even knew that was an accusation that was thrown at him. During an insipid run in the 2022-23 campaign, he was asked as much. After successive defeats to Brighton and Brentford, Klopp said: “I am loyal, I think everyone should be loyal, but I am not too loyal. The problem is too complex. You have a good player who did a lot of good stuff in the past and then maybe, in your mind, you think: ‘That’s it for him now.’ If you can then go out and bring in another player to replace him then it makes sense from both sides to say: ‘Come on, it was a great time, see you later.’ If you cannot bring anybody in then you cannot take anyone out, that’s the situation.”
And with Arne Slot at a nadir, the same criticisms are being thrown at him. There might have been some furrowed brows pulled when the team sheets were announced before the PSV Eindhoven clash. There was just one change (not counting goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s absence because of illness) from the listless 3-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest. Alexander Isak came out and was replaced by Hugo Ekitike. It made sense, yet many felt more should have been dropped.
Despite a plethora of Slot’s troops underperforming against Forest, nothing changed. And Liverpool suffered the same chastening outcome as they fell to a 4-1 loss against PSV. There is no doubt that the players are underperforming for Slot. On paper, there was not a solitary member of the PSV team who’d get into the Reds’. Not too many would improve their squad. Yet they humbled the Premier League champions as they were condemned to a ninth loss in 12 matches and piled more pressure on Slot.
There are portions of fans who believe that Slot’s currency banked has been exhausted and he should receive his marching orders despite his achievements last season. As things stand, Slot will be in the dugout for Sunday’s trip to West Ham United. The Dutchman doesn’t need telling that anything other than a triumph will be acceptable. And when it comes to his selection, he requires players who will deliver.
That is something that Ibrahima Konate has failed to do more often than not this campaign. The France international’s form has jettisoned. Perhaps it has something to do with his contractual situation - his deal expires in the summer - and reported interest from Real Madrid. Based on what has been on show this season, a significant number of Kopites would happily see him leave on a free transfer rather than hand him a new deal.
In fairness to Konate, he had not done much wrong against PSV before his latest gaffe for their third goal. There have been too many rudimentary errors. Against Forest, his heavy touch conceded the corner for the opening goal. Two minutes later, his blushes were spared by a VAR review after Igor Jesus put the ball in the back of the net, profiting on a Konate blunder. Even Slot was befuddled by how handball against the Forest striker was given.
The faith in Konate from fans has been exasperated. In fairness, Slot might have made a decision to bench the centre-back against PSV but for Joe Gomez carrying a knee issue. Gomez was in the squad yet Slot seemed somewhat concerned to play the England international. However, on current form, there are better options than Konate. Ryan Gravenberch has dropped into the rearguard numerous times. Around half of Wataru Endo’s professional matches have been in the back line. Andy Robertson could feature there if needed.
And on the left wing, patience is beginning to wear thin with Cody Gakpo. Granted, it was the winger’s shot that was parried for Dominik Szoboszlai to equalise against PSV. But Gakpo’s performance frustrated and he spurned a golden chance to make it 2-2 when he sent a free header over the crossbar. He did not cause enough problems on the left flank, similar to Mo Salah on the right-hand side, and gave away possession 22 times.
Salah was marginally better and given Hugo Ekitike had to be forced off with a back injury, Florian Wirtz will return after missing two games and there seems to be a lack of trust in Rio Ngumoha, changing both wide men might not be an option. Yet Federico Chiesa displays endeavour and spirit every time he comes off the bench. There would not be too many who’d grumble if he were given an opportunity.
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