“Really concerning” – Arne Slot under serious pressure as Liverpool’s struggles continue

“Really concerning” – Arne Slot under serious pressure as Liverpool’s struggles continue

Arne Slot Under Pressure As Liverpool Answers Raise Concern

Arne Slot’s position at Liverpool came under sharper scrutiny during Anfield Index’s Media Matters, as Dave Davis and David Lynch discussed not only the 1-1 draw with Chelsea, but also the way Slot has handled questions around Liverpool’s performances. The concern was clear, Liverpool’s football has been poor, the Anfield crowd has grown restless and Slot’s recent answers have not eased the mood.

Davis referenced Slot’s response after the Chelsea game, when James Pearce asked about Liverpool’s passive start. Davis said it was “a fair question” and described Slot’s reply as “a sarcastic response”, quoting the manager’s line: “Or do you think I just tell them to do that?”

For Lynch, that answer was a problem in itself. “I thought that answer was really concerning, to be honest,” he said. “Really concerning.”

Slot’s explanation leaves no good outcome

Lynch’s issue was that Slot’s answer created two awkward possibilities, neither of which reflected well on him. He said Slot either “didn’t think that Liverpool had retreated into a mid-block in that first half”, meaning he “didn’t see it”, or he wanted to “detach himself from it and disown it as a tactical approach because it clearly didn’t work.”

The alternative was just as worrying. Lynch added that Slot could have been suggesting he had told the players to push and they had ignored him. “The players aren’t listening to him when he’s telling them to press,” Lynch said, before concluding: “Neither of them reflect well. Both reflect really poorly on Slot.”

That is where the pressure on Arne Slot becomes more than results. Liverpool’s performances are being questioned, but so too are the explanations.

Liverpool boss appears increasingly touchy

Lynch also connected the answers to Slot’s wider demeanour. When Davis asked how much Saturday might affect the thinking of Liverpool decision-makers, Lynch said: “He’s getting touchy. He’s not liking the questions he’s facing.”