Arne Slot has vowed Liverpool will “fight on” despite enduring the club’s worst run of results for 71 years and says he is considering changes for Sunday’s trip to West Ham.
The Premier League champions suffered their ninth defeat in 12 matches after a 4-1 loss to PSV at Anfield in the Champions League, marking their poorest sequence of results since 1954. Liverpool have also lost three consecutive games by three or more goals for the first time since December 1953, increasing pressure on Slot ahead of the West Ham match, which is live on Sky Sports.
Despite the slump, reports indicate Liverpool’s hierarchy plan to back Slot after he delivered the Premier League title in his first season in charge. Asked whether he had discussed his future with the club, Slot said the conversations had been the same since his arrival and added: “We fight on. We will try to improve.” He stressed the need for the team to keep fighting together and to reward themselves when they play well, noting that every small mistake has been punished and that is a “very bad cocktail to have.”
Much of the scrutiny has fallen on Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, both below their best this season, while centre-back Ibrahima Konaté’s shaky performances have compounded defensive issues. Slot said fringe players such as Joe Gomez and Wataru Endō could be in his thoughts for selection at West Ham. He acknowledged the balancing act of making changes — people want action when results go wrong, but have criticised him previously when he altered the side — and said he was considering changes but had not decided on the final team.
In team news, goalkeeper Alisson is expected to return for the trip to West Ham after training on Thursday; he missed the PSV game due to illness after recently returning from injury. Forward Hugo Ekitike, who was forced off against PSV, is not expected to have a major problem but is not certain to be available. Florian Wirtz could return to training on Saturday after missing the last two matches while finishing his rehabilitation.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has backed Slot, calling him an “unbelievable coach” and saying he is certain Slot and his staff will find a solution and steady the team.