The post-Jürgen Klopp era at Liverpool is hitting a rough patch - and Arne Slot knows it.
After a 2-0 defeat to Paris St-Germain on Wednesday, Liverpool's manager didn't sugarcoat it: The team is in "survival mode."
Let those words sink in. Liverpool. One of the biggest clubs in world football. Premier League champions just last season. Now fighting just to stay in the Champions League.
According to The Telegraph, even match-going fans are losing patience with Slot. That's significant, folks. Liverpool supporters are some of the most loyal in sports - when they turn, you know things are serious.
But here's the interesting part: Fenway Sports Group and executives Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes still believe in Slot. The expectation is that he'll remain manager next season.
The consensus? The transition from Klopp was harder than anyone anticipated. Last season's title masked some underlying issues. The squad needs work. The tactics need refining.
Translation: Give the man time.
Look, I get it. Following a legend is never easy. Klopp was beloved. He won everything. He had the fans in the palm of his hand. Slot was always going to face comparisons, always going to deal with "Well, Klopp would have..." takes.
But survival mode? For Liverpool? That's tough to swallow.
