Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League after a 2-0 defeat to PSG at Anfield on Tuesday night, leaving the Premier League as their final hope for European football next season.
The Reds went with an attacking lineup for the game as they looked to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg the week prior, and they turned in a good performance in the process, creating chances and pushing the Ligue 1 giants back in spells.
But as the game went on, the reigning European champions took control, and two goals from Ousmane Dembele cemented the win, leaving Arne Slot needing to find a way to save the team's season with just six games remaining.
Slot Clinging to Liverpool Job
Arne Slot
The performance of the Liverpool team on the night wasn't one to be ashamed of, and ultimately they were well beaten by a team who are levels above them currently.
But Slot's performance as manager this season has been largely underwhelming, with the defending Premier League champions currently battling in fifth place to be able to qualify for the Champions League next season, as they sit four points above rivals Chelsea in the table.
But while the talk coming out of Anfield is that there is currently no appetite for change in the dugout, that could well change if the club don't finish inside the top five this season, and their chances of doing so took a huge hit during the game with PSG.
Midway through the first half, France striker Hugo Ekitike went down unchallenged clutching his right leg and looked to be in severe pain. This season's top scorer was ultimately forced to be stretchered off, replaced by the departing Mohamed Salah, and Slot confirmed after the game that it looked serious.
It has since emerged that Ekitike has suffered a serious achilles injury, meaning he is likely to be out of action for around nine months, missing the World Cup as well, but his injury means the Reds are desperately short in attack in a crucial period of the campaign.
Slot's Liverpool Career Hinges on Champions League Qualification
Hugo Ekitike was injured during Liverpool's Champions League match with PSG
If Liverpool don't qualify for the Champions League, then they face some financial issues following their huge £450m outlay last summer, but they will also struggle to entice other players to join without it, and more players may look to leave.
But for Slot, it means he could well lose his job. Going from champions to finishing outside the top five simply isn't acceptable at Anfield, and a number of fans have already turned on him, with a big appetite for club legend Xabi Alonso to return.
Ekitike's injury is a major blow for Liverpool, but also for Slot's hope of keeping his job beyond this season.
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