Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has reacted to fans leaving early during the wretched 4-0 defeat away to Man City in the FA Cup.
The Reds were soundly beaten in the quarter-finals on Saturday, heaping yet more pressure on Slot and his players.
Liverpool supporters are known for their undying support, but many in the away end at the Etihad left well before the final whistle.
In his post-match press conference, Slot thought Liverpool’s supporters were “very loud” but called on his team to do more to prevent another early exit.
“We don’t want them to leave early – we have to perform better,” Slot said.
“That’s the first thing. And we have to show now that we react after a loss like this and after so many disappointments we already had this season.
“The good thing is the fans have always been supportive, even today; during large spells of the first half they were very loud, before the game they were very loud.
“So, it’s up to us not only to react for them but also to ourselves. And that’s what we need to do Wednesday, when we again face a very good team, where we again need to play as we did in the first 35 minutes.
“But in moments of defending, we need to be much more ruthless than we’ve been today.”
What did Virgil van Dijk say after Liverpool defeat?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 4, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk looks dejected after the FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. Manchester City won 4-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was another who addressed the supporters, making it clear that he can relate to their frustration.
“I can understand that,” Van Dijk admitted.
“Obviously they have been going through ups and downs, like we obviously have as well.
“Obviously we would love them to be staying up until the end but if you’re 4-0 down and the way we played second half then I can understand the anger.
“In my time at Liverpool we have been going through tough times and at the moment it’s a tricky one as well.”
Has Arne Slot reached the end of the line at Liverpool?
Arne Slot saw his side slip to a 4-0 defeat at Manchester City (Mike Egerton/PA)
With each passing week, Slot increasingly doesn’t feel like the right man to take Liverpool forward, following a season of struggles.
The Reds aren’t playing with confidence and purpose, also looking weak mentally, and the buck ultimately stops with the manager.
Slot will know that a top-five finish in the Premier League is surely the bare minimum now, but even that may not be enough for him to keep his job.
The boos after the 1-1 draw at home to struggling Tottenham last month felt telling, and the dissenting voices are only getting louder.