The pressure on Liverpool manager Arne Slot has reached a boiling point after a humiliating 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League. The loss has prompted public calls for his dismissal from club legends Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, signaling that the Dutch tactician's tenure is on the verge of collapse.
Anfield Humiliation Sparks Legendary Backlash
The atmosphere at Anfield turned toxic as Liverpool conceded four goals to PSV in a Champions League match that exposed deep tactical and performance issues. This defeat marks a staggering ninth loss in twelve matches across all competitions, a record that has made Slot's position increasingly untenable.
Jamie Carragher, while expressing anger toward the players, acknowledged the inevitable conclusion. "I've always been in the camp of you sticking with the manager. I'm really angry with the players, if I'm being honest," Carragher stated on CBS Sports Golazo. "It does get to a stage, with any manager at any club, where I always use this word 'untenable', where it can't go on any longer."
Steven Gerrard echoed this sentiment, telling TNT Sports that the situation is beyond repair. "You understand that if you're not getting the results, there are going to be serious questions asked... It's going to come," the Liverpool icon warned, confirming that Slot's departure is now a matter of when, not if.
Potential Successors for the Anfield Hot Seat
With Slot's exit appearing imminent, attention has turned to who could potentially steer the Liverpool ship back to calmer waters. Here are the four leading candidates being discussed:
1. Oliver Glasner: The Crystal Palace manager has emerged as the frontrunner, according to reports from Give Me Sport. Glasner has impressed English football by guiding Palace to FA Cup and Community Shield glory. His credibility is further boosted by having beaten Liverpool three times already this season.
2. Andoni Iraola: The Bournemouth boss is another name in the frame, with his attractive, high-intensity football catching the eye of top clubs. However, Liverpool would face competition, notably from Manchester United, who also have the Spanish manager on their radar.
3. Steven Gerrard: The emotional choice would be the return of the club legend. However, a significant financial hurdle exists. Reports from Mirror UK indicate that Gerrard would have to pay 45% of his earnings from Al-Ettifaq in taxes if he returns to England, making a move financially complicated.
4. Jurgen Klopp: In a stunning potential twist, Slot's predecessor could become his successor. Despite previously claiming retirement from coaching after nine years at Anfield, the German has admitted he could be open to returning to Liverpool if the club calls.
A Title Defence in Tatters
This managerial crisis comes against the backdrop of a completely collapsed Premier League title defence. A recent 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield dropped the Reds into the bottom half of the table. The team has now lost six of their opening twelve league matches, a dramatic fall from the promise shown in Arne Slot's first season in charge.
The situation at Anfield is critical, and the decision from the club's hierarchy is now eagerly awaited by fans and legends alike.
