When Liverpool Football Club lost 4-1 to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield Stadium on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, it wasn’t just another defeat—it was the latest blow in a collapse no one saw coming. The result marked Liverpool’s ninth loss in 12 matches across all competitions, their worst run in 71 years. The manager at the center of it all, Arne Slot, stood in front of the cameras and said, "We continue to fight." But behind the scenes, whispers have turned to shouts. The club spent £400 million ($528 million) this summer. They won the Premier League last season. Now, they’re staring at their most embarrassing slump since the 1950s.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
The 4-1 loss to PSV wasn’t just a bad result—it was a pattern. This was Liverpool’s third consecutive defeat by three or more goals, something that hadn’t happened since December 1953. In that same stretch, they’ve conceded 17 goals in just four matches. Their goal difference has swung from +48 last season to -7 this term. The squad, once lauded for its cohesion, now looks disjointed. Jamie Carragher, the club’s legendary defender and now Sky Sports pundit, didn’t mince words: "He’s got a week. Maybe two." He pointed to the upcoming fixtures—West Ham on December 1, then Sunderland and Leeds—as the final test before the board makes a decision.
Even the stats from the PSV game were surreal. Liverpool had 68% possession and 21 shots—but only two on target. Their midfield, once a precision engine, now looks slow, confused, and out of sync. The defense, once led by Virgil van Dijk, now relies on a 32-year-old Alisson Becker returning from injury and a backline that’s lost its nerve.
"Lost the Dressing Room?"
Behind closed doors, the tension is worse. According to sources close to the club, Liverpool Football Club’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, has raised alarms that Slot may have "lost the dressing room." Players are reportedly frustrated by tactical rigidity and a lack of clear communication. One anonymous senior player told a confidant: "We used to feel like we were building something. Now we feel like we’re just trying not to lose by five."
German journalist Michael Reif of Kicker put it bluntly: "They’re not in a mess. They’ve been practically burned to the ground." He added that the club’s hierarchy is quietly preparing for a return by Jürgen Klopp, the 57-year-old German who led them to two historic trophies before stepping away in 2024. Klopp, now enjoying a sabbatical in Spain, has not been approached—but the mere possibility is enough to make fans hold their breath.
Slot’s Defense: "We Must Persist"
Slot, the 46-year-old Dutchman who won the Eredivisie with Feyenoord Rotterdam in 2022-2023, insists he’s not going anywhere. He confirmed he’s had regular talks with Fenway Sports Group, the Boston-based owners who also run the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Penguins. "The conversations have remained consistent over the last year and a half," he said. "We strive to improve. But we must persist."
He acknowledged the pressure, but framed it as part of the job. "There was pressure last season to win the league. Now it’s a different kind of pressure—knock after knock after knock." He refused to confirm lineup changes for the West Ham match, saying, "They train with us every day. They can prove themselves." He also declined to criticize players directly, instead pointing to the club’s identity: "We must embody what this club represents."
His supporters are few but vocal. Thomas Frank, manager of Tottenham Hotspur, offered a rare public endorsement: "Arne is clearly an unbelievable coach. What he did with Feyenoord and how he stepped into Liverpool—incalculable. He will 1,000 per cent find a way out of that."
What Comes Next?
Liverpool’s board is expected to wait until after the December fixtures—West Ham, Sunderland, Leeds—to make a final call. A win or two could buy Slot until January. Another collapse, and the club may act before the new year. The timing is critical: the January transfer window opens with Liverpool needing to offload players like Florian Wirtz, who’s been linked with a move away, and possibly bring in reinforcements to shore up a porous defense.
Meanwhile, fans are divided. Some still believe in Slot’s philosophy. Others, like supporter Lola Katz Roberts, openly wonder if Klopp might return. "He knows this club better than anyone alive," she said. "If he’s watching, he’s not happy."
The Legacy at Stake
Slot’s first season was a triumph. He inherited a team still reeling from Klopp’s departure and turned them into champions. He introduced pressing, positional play, and youth integration—all hallmarks of modern European football. But now, those same systems look tired. Opponents have studied them. Players seem mentally drained. The £400 million spent on new signings hasn’t solved the core issue: identity.
What Liverpool faces isn’t just a bad run. It’s a crisis of belief. In the stands, the Anfield roar has turned to silence. On the pitch, the confidence is gone. And in the boardroom, the question isn’t whether Slot can fix it—but whether he can fix it before the damage becomes irreversible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Arne Slot still in charge despite such poor results?
Liverpool’s hierarchy is giving Slot time because he led them to the Premier League title in his debut season (2023-2024), and they believe his long-term philosophy can still work. The club spent £400 million this summer and doesn’t want to admit a mistake so soon. Officials plan to wait until after the December fixtures to assess whether the team shows signs of improvement before making a change.
What’s the significance of Liverpool’s three consecutive three-goal losses?
The last time Liverpool lost three straight matches by three or more goals was in December 1953—over 70 years ago. That statistic underscores how historically bad their form is. It’s not just losing; it’s crumbling under pressure, with defensive errors, poor transitions, and a lack of resilience. No top-club in modern English football has endured such a collapse so quickly after winning the league.
Could Jürgen Klopp really return to Liverpool?
No official approach has been made, but insiders say Klopp’s name is being quietly discussed in the boardroom. He’s not seeking a return, but his emotional connection to the club and his proven ability to rebuild teams make him the most logical emergency solution. If Slot is sacked before January, Klopp would be the first name on the list—even if only as a temporary fix until a long-term replacement is found.
How are fans reacting to the current situation?
Fan sentiment is split. A vocal minority demands Slot’s immediate dismissal, while others still believe in his methods, citing the club’s strong start to the season before the collapse. Social media has seen a surge in #SlotOut and #KloppComeBack hashtags. At Anfield, chants have turned from "You’ll Never Walk Alone" to uncomfortable silences—something that hasn’t happened in decades.
What role is Fenway Sports Group playing in this crisis?
Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s American owners, have publicly backed Slot since his appointment. But behind the scenes, they’re deeply concerned about the financial implications: a poor Champions League run could cost them over £100 million in revenue. They’re weighing whether to invest more in January or cut losses and pivot to a new manager. Their priority is long-term stability, not short-term panic.
Will Alisson Becker’s return solve Liverpool’s defensive problems?
Alisson’s return on December 1 against West Ham will help, but he’s not a fix-all. Liverpool’s issues run deeper—poor marking, lack of communication, and a midfield that doesn’t shield the backline. Alisson is world-class, but he can’t compensate for systemic failures. His presence might stabilize the defense temporarily, but without tactical adjustments and renewed confidence, the problems will persist.