Liverpool boss Arne Slot has called for calm after watching his side slump to a worrying fourth consecutive loss at the weekend, in the form of the damaging 2-1 home defeat by arch-rivals Manchester United. The Dutchman has urged players and fans to focus on the coming matches and not dwell on woeful recent run as the Reds look to get back on track.
Champions endure worrying dip in form
After a strong start to the season, Slot’s side has suffered a significant slump following four straight losses across all competitions. In the league, they’ve surrendered top spot to title rivals Arsenal and have fallen behind Manchester City. Despite picking up wins earlier in the season, most were unconvincing, and performances have steadily worsened. Slot's biggest challenge is integrating expensive new signings like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, which has disrupted the squad's balance. The team has also struggled defensively, particularly against set pieces, an area that was previously a strength. Amid mounting pressure, Slot insists his squad must find an "extra edge".
AdvertisementGetty Images SportSuperstars struggle at Anfield
Sweden star Isak and Germany international Wirtz have struggled mainly due to a lack of end product, a difficult adjustment period to a new system and league. Isak has just one goal and one assist in seven appearances this season. Joining for a British-record £125 million ($167m), he had missed pre-season due to a dispute with former club Newcastle and arrived at Anfield short of match fitness. His work rate has been criticised, becoming a problem when combined with his lack of goals. Wirtz is yet to register a league goal this season and while still showing flashes of brilliance, he is still adjusting to the pace and physicality in England, and Slot's new 4-2-3-1 system. Hugo Ekitike started strongly with goals in his first five league matches but has since fallen behind Isak in the pecking order and was sent off for removing his shirt in a recent game. The arrival of Isak has inevitably intensified the competition for a starting spot, affecting his opportunities. All three players are adapting to Slot's tactical changes, which have altered how the attack operates and contributed to a lack of cohesion. The significant transfer fees for Isak and Wirtz have also magnified expectations and amplified criticism during their bedding-in period.
Slot keen to focus on future
Speaking to , Slot said: "It should not matter if we win or lose a game of football for the next one. The aim is if you play for Liverpool if you wear this shirt, the aim is to win every single game. So if we win seven in a row how we started this season, then we want to win the next three. And we didn’t, now we’ve lost the last four, so now of course we want to see Liverpool winning again. But like I said, that is not different than when you’ve lost four in a row or won four in a row."
Getty Images SportMore woe for floundering Reds
Liverpool were dealt another blow in their preparations for the Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt, after the aircraft taking them to Germany was hit with a "technical issue", resulting in a four-hour delay and meaning that Slot was not able to conduct a press conference before the encounter in midweek. Failing to fulfil media commitments normally lands the offending club with a hefty fine from UEFA, but with the Reds blameless for the technical difficulties, it's unlikely there will be any consequences. The Reds boss insists the hitch has not caused any problems. He said: "No, it will not impact the build-up to tomorrow's game. We have trained over here at the AXA (Training Centre). Normally we would have gone to Frankfurt a few hours earlier, now we are a few hours later. But, no, that can never be an excuse for the game tomorrow."