After Liverpool’s promising start, six defeats in seven matches gave rise to concern and there was talk of a crisis.
Things began to look better in early November, with wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid boosting morale and giving hope of a return to form.
But ultimately they proved to provide momentary relief and not a permanent change in his fortunes.
The 3-0 defeat to Manchester City just before the international break was tough, but that could be the case against Pep Guardiola’s side.
But a shock defeat to Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest by the same scoreline left them 12th in the Premier League and now an embarrassing defeat against PSV – only their second defeat at Anfield in their last 26 pre-knockout stage games in this competition.
Slot faces a huge task to get his team back into the top half of the Premier League and remain in the race for a top eight finish at the Champions League stage, having slipped to 13th.
Warnock said, “I don’t think there should be any knee-jerk reaction, I think it’s a very difficult moment at Liverpool for one reason or another, but one thing I would say is that things weren’t perfect even at the beginning of the season, when they were winning.”
Firing managers at the first sign of trouble is not a strategy often adopted by Liverpool. Let’s also not forget that last year Slott had the best start ever – eight wins in his first 10 top-flight games – by a Reds boss who had only recently replaced Jurgen Klopp.
But his summer signing did not work out, leaving him under pressure.
Record transfer Alexander Isak is yet to find a target, German playmaker Florian Wirtz is currently injured and left-back Milos Kerkez is struggling.
Yet Slott made only two substitutions on Wednesday as his team fell behind. One of them was Isak, filling in for fellow new signing Hugo Ekitikey, who was injured, while the other was Italy forward Federico Chiesa filling in for Ibrahima Konate during another difficult evening for the French defender.
“This race is a shock to everybody,” Slott admitted.
“For the players, for me. I’m not easily shocked and it’s very unpredictable. We can all do better individually, but that applies to everyone, including me.”
The brightest spark has probably been Dominik Szoboszlai.
Restored to his role in central midfield against PSV, he provided not only a goal, but also energy and an attacking threat, as well as proving that there are much better uses for him than as a stand-in right-back.
“With every defeat it gets closer to a crisis,” former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard told TNT Sports. “I don’t think Liverpool are at that level (yet) – the crisis is very serious.
“There is no excuse for such performances at this football club
“You can’t deny that the team is struggling massively, they’re in a very bad position, their confidence is at an all-time low, they’re wide open.
“Until the manager finds answers and stability in his team, this situation will continue.”
However, it was never easy for PSV Slots to try to get its players back on track.
The former Feyenoord boss has won only one of his last eight matches against the Eredivisie outfit in all competitions (D3 L4), and has not suffered more defeats against any side in his managerial career.
Slot says he is not worried about his future at the club and is instead focused on turning things around.
“I need to do better, that’s what I’m trying to do every day to make the team better and that’s my main focus,” the 47-year-old player said.
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