Liverpool have been urged to think carefully about sacking Arne Slot, because of the manner in which he’s dealt with the loss of Diogo Jota.
Khalid Boulahrouz defends the under-fire Liverpool boss today. His comments have been [relayed by Voetbal Primeur.](https://www.voetbalprimeur.nl/nieuws/1716746/boulahrouz-over-slot-en-liverpool.html)
Slot finds himself firmly in the spotlight at Liverpool at this moment in time. The Reds’ 4-1 loss to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League this week made it nine defeats in 12 games in all competitions. It was also their third straight loss by a three-goal margin.
It’s been a drastic turnaround after Liverpool enjoyed a winning start to the season as they started their title defence. Instead, the situation has slowly unravelled, with some believing that Slot has lost control.
Indeed, a journalist in the Netherlands this week [stated he saw panic in the Liverpool manager’s eyes](https://sportwitness.co.uk/from-netherlands-pure-panic-for-arne-slot-manager-a-mess-as-liverpool-job-wobbles/) as PSV ran riot at Anfield. Some sections of the Liverpool fanbase are already calling for the Dutchman to be sacked.
That, though, would be a difficult decision given the title win last season and events of this year. The tragic loss of Jota this summer, has certainly been a big contributing factor to the current situation.
And Boulahrouz believes that really needs to be taken into consideration. Particularly because Slot has worked hard to defend his players on that front.
“Liverpool aren’t quite themselves right now,” he said.
“They were invincible, resilient. But now they just have to hold their ground. That’s what it is. I have a lot of respect for Slot and the way he’s handling this.
“I’ve rarely seen managers be so vulnerable. He always stands by his team, always puts aside his own grief for the sake of the others, that’s pure class.
“There are players who lost a friend, who know the children, and whose wives are seeing Jota’s wife. Then you might not be preoccupied with Nottingham Forest all day. And that’s a good thing.”
Boulahrouz speaks from experience. He had just joined Sevilla in 2007 fan favourite Antonio Puerta suddenly passed away. He collapsed during a clash with Getafe, suffering a prolonged cardiac arrest.
The wingerwas able to watch off the pitch but collapsed again in the dressing room before later passing away at Virgen del Rocío hospital in Seville. His passing, naturally, had a huge impact on the Sevilla squad at the time, and Boulahrouz urges Liverpool to consider the human aspect when it comes to Slot.
**“**I’d say: prioritize the human aspect for the rest of the season,” he added.
“Slot isn’t bigger than the club, but this situation is bigger than the short-term sporting goals. This simply has a lasting impact. You can’t ignore it.
“You can expect certain performances, but at this pace, as a top athlete, you can’t be there every time. What are you going to do? Sacrifice the coach for that? The new coach doesn’t take away that feeling either.”