Arne Slot says he continues to feel “complete support” from the club and supporters despite mounting pressure after a difficult run of results for Liverpool. The Reds have lost three consecutive matches — including a 2-0 first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals and a heavy 4-0 reverse to Manchester City in the FA Cup — and have recorded just two wins in their last eight games.
Heading into Saturday Night Football at Fulham, Slot again stressed the backing he senses from the club hierarchy and the fanbase. He pointed to support from the owners and recruitment figures such as Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, and recalled how travelling supporters reacted after the Manchester City loss. Although Liverpool were outplayed, he said fans were still singing and applauding in the away end in Paris, which he described as evidence of consistent encouragement. “The club knows what period of time we are in. In the meantime, I feel complete support,” he added.
The league situation increases the stakes. Liverpool sit fifth in the Premier League — a spot that would now secure Champions League qualification after England gained an extra place — but they are only one point ahead of Chelsea, with Brentford and Everton a further three points adrift. Slot accepted the pressure to finish in the top five, saying the team must raise its level after being beaten by the reigning European champions and use upcoming fixtures to prove they can be more competitive. He stressed that reaching next season’s Champions League would be important to continue the club’s progress.
Slot also flagged the toll of recent fixtures on his squad following the midweek trip to Paris. He said the team had a recovery day and acknowledged that not every player is capable of playing another intense match three days later, leaving selection to be decided closer to kickoff.
Sky Sports commentator Vinny O’Connor described Slot’s remarks as significant during what has become a transition phase at Anfield. The imminent departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson have emphasised that change, while Slot’s involvement in summer recruitment has been interpreted as a sign of the board’s confidence in his long-term role. Slot himself admitted the club has not put itself in the ideal position, but noted Paris kept them alive in the tie and several big league matches lie ahead alongside the possibility of more Champions League games.
He also said responsibility for the club’s struggles is shared, pointing to individual mistakes and a lack of squad depth exposed this season, while urging belief that improvement is possible.
On injuries, Slot confirmed goalkeeper Alisson Becker will not be in the matchday squad as he continues to recover from a muscle problem that has kept him out for the last three matches — a stretch in which Liverpool have conceded eight goals and scored once. There was brighter news over Alexander Isak: the club-record signing returned from long-term injury as a 13-minute substitute against PSG. Isak has made only 16 appearances since his £125m move from Newcastle, having suffered a significant ankle injury and fibula fracture in December that required surgery after a challenge by Micky van de Ven. Slot described Isak’s return as “vital,” welcomed the cameo and said the aim is to gradually increase his minutes as his rehabilitation allows.
Slot also expressed concern about the fitness of Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez but did not confirm whether either will be available for the trip to Fulham.