To say Liverpool’s form in 2025/26 has fallen off a cliff would be something of an understatement.
After being beaten 3-0 by Nottingham Forest last week, the Reds have matched an unwanted record they first set back in 1953/54 when they were relegated from Division 1.
Liverpool are out of the Carabao Cup, well behind Arsenal in the title race, and even their Champions League chances look smaller after the PSV fixture.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
This has, in turn, led to Arne Slot’s future at Anfield continuing to be called into question.
Should Liverpool sack Arne Slot?
Arne Slot following Liverpool v Nottingham Forest - Premier League
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Now, an insight into how the Liverpool players are feeling has been shared.
Senior Liverpool stars are shocked
During such a difficult period, the onus should be on senior players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk to step up.
Jamie Carragher wants to see more from Salah, calling for the Egyptian to make himself more available to the press.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
Meanwhile, Van Dijk’s leadership was questioned by fans on Wednesday evening during a poor showing from the Dutchman against PSV.
Previously, Wayne Rooney called out Salah and Van Dijk, but at least on the pitch, not much has changed.
That may, however, have something to do with Liverpool’s players being left stunned by the current run of form.
A report from the DailyMail over the weekend has shared an insight into how senior stars are feeling, and one word in particular stood out.
When commenting on Slot’s future, Lewis Steele wrote: “Harsh? Yes, but arguments for his sacking are getting stronger. In the dressing room, senior stars are shellshocked.”
Liverpool players react after Nottingham Forest score a third goal during the Premier League match at Anfield.
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Virgil van Dijk message to Liverpool fans
To Van Dijk’s credit, he did share a message on the Reds’ official website amid the poor run of results.
He said: “We’re facing one of the toughest moments of our journey, but we refuse to let this define us.
“We will rise from this. I believe in this team with everything I have.
“Nothing has ever been handed to us – we’ve fought for everything, and this moment is no different.
“We won’t give in. Won’t give up. Every challenge is an opportunity. We must grow together, lift each other up, and show the strength that lies within us.
“To the fans, keep supporting us. We all need each other more than ever!”
But it does seem as though, whether or not it is the case, Liverpool’s players have lost faith in Slot this season.
They appear to be out of ideas, and their desire to chase down every ball and put in 110% effort looks to have waned.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox