Problems are growing at Anfield as manager Arne Slott comes under increased scrutiny after Liverpool’s 4-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven
Steve McManaman believes it is “premature” to consider sacking Liverpool head coach Arne Slott. The Dutchman is under increasing pressure after PSV Eindhoven’s 4-1 win at Anfield, the Reds’ ninth defeat in 12 years.
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has agreed with his former Anfield teammates over the former Feyenoord manager’s job security on Merseyside. Although the 45-year-old insisted “serious questions” would be asked of the Premier League-winning tactician.
As a result of the Eredivisie side’s disappointment, the Reds lost their automatic qualification to the Champions League knockout stages. In Europe, Liverpool face tough trips at home to Inter Milan and Marseille before welcoming Qarabag to Anfield for their final group game.
But the Dutchman has faced growing calls for his sacking after losing nine of his last 12 matches at Anfield. But McManaman and Gerrard rushed to his defense.
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“I think no. I think it’s too early. It’s a good progression of games considering what he’s accomplished this year and where he is right now,” McManaman said.
“I completely understand that question, but given this series of games, it is too early to ask such a question when Liverpool are still competing in the Champions League. They will be eliminated from the Champions League and languish at the bottom of the league.
“I think they play Arsenal in the second week of January and the question should be asked then. Hopefully they’re moving up the table. We’ve got to give him time to fill up with all the injuries. They’re players we expect to come in and lift the team.”
“If anything, they are discrediting the team and seem bigoted. It’s too early to ask that question when the manager has achieved so much in such a short period of time. I understand the world we live in, but that question will be thrown around.”
Gerrard said: “That’s the world we live in, that’s modern football. I’ve been in that position myself.
“If we don’t get a result, we understand that there will be serious questions about this territory, particularly at the top end, and there will be an investigation by the stewards.
“Makka, I and you both agree, because we’ve been through it and we’ve suffered. I’ve been on both sides. It will come someday.”
The hosts suffered another nightmare start to the game after Liverpool’s captain was penalized for a handball inside the penalty area, with Virgil van Dijk responsible for the opener.
Dominik Szoboszlai hit back to equalize for the Reds, but Kodi Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike and Virgil van Dijk all narrowly missed before the break. Alexis Mac Allister, Van Dijk and Gakpo had the chance to lead Liverpool to the front.
However, they were unable to convert into a goal, and PSV took advantage of Liverpool’s mistakes and made the situation worse in the slot with a double shot from Guus Till and Kuhaib Drihues.
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