Arne Slot Faces Growing Pressure as Liverpool’s Crisis Deepens

Liverpool’s title defense is spiraling into crisis as manager Arne Slot struggles to find solutions following a fourth straight defeat, a slump the club has not seen in over ten years. The Reds’ 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday marked the first time their fierce rivals have won there since 2016, deepening frustration among fans and players alike.

Despite a promising start to the season that saw Liverpool win seven straight games, recent performances have been poor and confidence has dipped. The club last lost four consecutive matches back in November 2014, under then-manager Brendan Rodgers. Now, Slot must urgently address multiple issues threatening to derail Liverpool’s season.

Why Is Mohamed Salah Struggling?

Mohamed Salah’s decline in form has been one of Liverpool’s biggest setbacks. Once the unstoppable force behind the Reds’ attack, the “Egyptian King” has managed only one Premier League goal from open play this season, and that came on the opening weekend. His missed chances against Manchester United and lack of sharpness have raised concerns about whether age is finally catching up with the 33-year-old.

Salah was notably left out of the starting lineup in the Champions League defeat to Galatasaray and substituted during Sunday’s match even as Liverpool chased an equalizer. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher suggested that Salah’s automatic starting role should no longer be guaranteed.
“I don’t think Salah should be starting every game right now, certainly away from home, with the form he’s in,” Carragher said on Sky Sports. “When you get to a certain age you have to understand that, especially when you’re not playing well.”

What’s Gone Wrong with Slot’s Signings?

Slot’s $450 million summer spending spree has yet to produce results. Record signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have both failed to score in the Premier League, while Hugo Ekitike, despite early promise, now finds himself behind Isak in selection.

Liverpool’s attack has also suffered emotionally and tactically from the tragic death of Diogo Jota in July, leaving a void that the new forwards have struggled to fill.

Defensively, new full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have been inconsistent, while center-back Ibrahima Konate has been under fire for repeated mistakes. Even captain Virgil van Dijk, usually a pillar of stability, was at fault in the buildup to United’s opening goal.

Liverpool have now conceded two or more goals in eight of their last 12 league games, exposing their fragile backline. The club’s failed pursuit of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace on deadline day is proving costly, with rumors suggesting the England defender could still move to Anfield in January, though that may be too late to salvage the Reds’ season.\

By Yockshard Enyendi