Arne Slot insists he retains the backing of Liverpool’s hierarchy despite the club’s 4–1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven and a run of three matches without a win, writes James Chettle at Anfield.
Liverpool have not tasted victory since their 1-0 victory over Real Madrid earlier this month and have now slipped down to 13th in the UEFA Champions League standings. A difficult start to the season sees the defending Premier League champions sitting 12th in the table.
Slot’s side have now conceded 10 goals in their last three games – seven of those coming at Anfield – raising concerns about the defensive instability that has emerged early in the campaign.
The performance against PSV, which included defensive errors from Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate before a late collapse, has increased external scrutiny around the head coach.
Slot said he understands why questions are being asked but believes the reaction is a natural consequence of the results.
He said: “I don’t think it is important if it is fair or not, but it is normal.
“Any manager around the world loses football games. It is normal people have an opinion. If that is fair or not fair, that is for the people to judge, but it is normal if you lose so many times and people start talking about that.”
The Dutchman maintained that he still feels supported by the club’s leadership as he seeks to arrest the dip in form.
He said: “I have been feeling safe, I am OK. I have got a lot of support from above.
“It would be nice if I can turn it around and produce a victory, but that is part and parcel. If you are working as a trainer and not doing well, questions will be asked.
“I am OK with my position. It is not the first time I have been in a difficult situation, but it’s time we won a match again, isn’t it?”
Slot also addressed conversations with sporting director Richard Hughes and senior figures at the club. He said discussions are ongoing but stressed they are no different now than during successful periods.
“Not in the sense they tell me every single minute ‘we support you’,” Slot confirmed.
“We talk a lot, whether we are winning or losing. They are helpful to me and to the team. In those conversations, I feel the trust. I haven’t spoken to them after this game yet, so let’s see.”
Liverpool now turn their focus back to domestic action as they travel to face West Ham this weekend, aiming to end their winless run and regain momentum after a challenging spell.
