Pressure Mounts on Arne Slot as Liverpool’s Struggles Continue
Arne Slot is facing growing scrutiny as Liverpool’s poor form deepens, with Saturday night’s 3–2 loss to Brentford marking their fifth defeat in six matches and fourth consecutive Premier League loss. The slump has reignited talk among supporters about a possible return for former manager Jürgen Klopp, who recently hinted that a comeback to Anfield “is possible.”
Liverpool’s emphatic 5–1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League last week appeared to signal a turnaround, but that optimism quickly faded as the Reds once again faltered domestically. Defeats to Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Galatasaray have left the reigning Premier League champions well adrift of the top of the table — trailing Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal by seven points after just nine games.
While Slot retains goodwill following his remarkable title-winning debut season, even loyal fans admit that Liverpool’s current problems run deep. The Dutchman’s position is not yet under threat, but in football’s fast-moving world, Klopp’s remarks have certainly stirred speculation.
Klopp, who departed Anfield at the end of the 2023/24 season after nearly a decade in charge, had said his energy was depleted when he chose to step away. Yet, on the Diary of a CEO podcast, the 58-year-old left the door slightly open for a potential reunion:
“I said I’ll never coach another team in England, so if I did return, it would be Liverpool. So yes, theoretically, it’s possible.”
Despite that comment, Klopp has since taken on new off-field roles, becoming Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer in early 2025 and later joining the German Football League, signaling he has no immediate plans to return to coaching.
Meanwhile, Slot admitted his frustration after the latest defeat, acknowledging his team’s defensive frailties — particularly from set pieces. Brentford’s opener came from a long throw by Michael Kayode, adding to a worrying trend for the Reds.
“There are quite a few reasons,” Slot said post-match. “Teams have a certain strategy when they play against us — a good one — and we haven’t found an answer yet.”
Liverpool now turn their attention to a Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace at Anfield on Wednesday, but the fixture brings little comfort. Palace, led by Oliver Glasner, have already beaten the Reds twice this season — once in the Community Shield and again in the league.
