Liverpool manager Arne Slot vowed to 'fight on' as Liverpool boss(Image: Liverpool FC)
**Slot under pressure:** Arne Slot is facing increased scrutiny following Liverpool's disastrous 4-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday evening, which was the team's ninth loss in the last 12 games. The club's alarming run of form has led to open speculation about his future at Anfield.
**Response to sack claims:** Slot confirmed that his conversations with club management remain consistent with what they have been for the past 18 months, indicating no imminent change in the decision to "fight on." He insisted the entire team is focused on fighting together and trying to improve their current situation.
**Player confidence issue:** The manager admitted that after receiving "knock after knock," particularly when conceding the third and fourth goal against PSV. He said he saw the players' confidence dip significantly. He also noticed a difficult 5-10 minute spell where the team's usual fighting spirit was at a low point.
**Fighting spirit still present:** Despite the low confidence, Slot believes the players are still putting in the effort, referencing high "personal bests" in running statistics from the last game. He maintained that the minimum he expects is that the team continues to fight for the duration of the 90 minutes.
**Missed chances:** Slot voiced his intense frustration over the team's failure to convert opportunities, noting the difference between their high expected goals (xG) statistics and their actual goal tally. He concluded that the team is failing to reward themselves for good phases of play by scoring goals.
**Gomez starting possibility:** The manager provided a fitness update on defender Joe Gomez, stating he is close to returning and starting the upcoming match is "definitely a possibility." Slot explained that his in-game substitution decisions have lately favoured offensive players when the team is chasing a deficit.
**Injury updates:** Slot offered positive news on key players, confirming that goalkeeper Alisson Becker trained with the team and is expected to be fit for the next match. He also hopes Hugo Ekitike’s injury is not a major issue and expects Florian Wirtz to be ready to train on Saturday.
**Previewing West Ham:** Looking ahead, Slot acknowledged that Sunday’s opponents, West Ham, have become a very difficult team to beat under their current manager, Nuno Espírito Santo. He stressed that Liverpool need to be fully prepared for their next Premier League challenge.
**You can read more on our sister site, _The Liverpool ECHO_**