Liverpool and manager Arne Slot face mounting scrutiny after a 2-0 Champions League quarter-final first-leg loss to Paris St-Germain. The defeat has intensified concerns about form and tactics ahead of a crucial Premier League run-in as the Reds chase a top-five finish.
Jamie Carragher criticised Slot’s approach in Paris, saying the manager got his tactics “massively wrong.” Slot will need clearer solutions when Liverpool return to Anfield to host Fulham, live on Sky Sports, on Saturday 11th April with a 5:30pm kick-off.
Results and context
– Form: Liverpool have won just two of their last eight matches in all competitions, and only four of their last 13 Premier League games, increasing pressure on the squad and coaching staff.
– Cup exit: A comprehensive FA Cup defeat by Manchester City has ended hopes of domestic silverware this season.
– European hopes uncertain: Qualification for next season’s Champions League is far from guaranteed. Liverpool sit fifth — currently inside the qualifying spots — but Chelsea sit one point behind, while Brentford and Everton are a single win away from drawing level.
– Fixture difficulty: Liverpool face the toughest remaining schedule among the sides chasing a top-five finish. In the return fixtures, both Chelsea and Brentford took the points they needed to move ahead of Liverpool in past meetings with the same opponents.
Predictions and punditry
Opta’s season predictor gives Liverpool a 54.9% chance of finishing in the top five. On Monday Night Football in February, Carragher warned of the consequences of missing out, arguing that failure to qualify would be hard to defend given last season’s title and the club’s recent spending.
Slot’s case
Slot can point to Liverpool’s capacity for dominant performances at Anfield and the fact that back-to-back wins over Fulham and PSG would alter the narrative quickly. The Reds could also gain from rivals’ fixtures this weekend — Chelsea host an in-form Manchester City, while Brentford welcome Everton.
Key issues for Slot to address
– Shot output vs. efficiency: Liverpool rank second in the Premier League for shots but only 16th for shot conversion, highlighting waste in front of goal.
– Late goals: The team has lost a league-high nine points from goals conceded in the 90th minute or later this season, including Fulham’s stoppage-time equaliser at Craven Cottage.
– Head-to-head struggles: Under Slot, Liverpool have failed to win any of three Premier League matches against Fulham — the only side he has yet to beat.
– Overall defeats: Liverpool have now lost 16 matches in all competitions — their most in a season since 2014/15. Since September 27, they have lost more Premier League games than they have won, and eleven other clubs have taken more points over that period.
What the fans say
We invited responses on our Liverpool club blog after the PSG defeat. Selected replies included:
– Anfield Iron: “Time for a change. It’s not working. Get some passion back.”
– Mattymc5203: “That was an absolute shambles from Slot. He looks out of his depth.”
– Danny: “We mustn’t forget last season’s title, but Slot’s tactics and man-management since February aren’t cutting it.”
– Ryfi: “Liverpool should not be outclassed. We signed top players and expect better.”
– JMY97: “How long does a title buy you? Maybe interim changes and bigger plans after the season.”
Liverpool head into a pivotal week where results, performance and tactical clarity from Slot will shape the remainder of their season.