Three losses in a row. Fifth in the Premier League. A Champions League quarterfinal first leg to recover from. And yet Arne Slot says he feels "complete support" from Liverpool's ownership. That's either a club keeping its nerve impressively well, or a manager carefully managing his own narrative. Possibly both.
The run has been rough in a specific, damaging way. A 4-0 FA Cup exit to Manchester City. A 2-1 Premier League loss at Brighton. Then Wednesday's 2-0 defeat to PSG in the Champions League last eight, first leg. One win in the last six games across all competitions. For a side that spent £570 million in the summer after winning the title in Slot's debut season, this isn't a blip — it's a crisis of direction.
The table doesn't lie
Liverpool sit 21 points behind Arsenal in the Premier League. Champions League qualification is still the realistic target, not the title. That's a dramatic shift from where this season was supposed to go after record summer investment. Saturday's home game against Fulham suddenly carries more weight than a mid-April fixture should.
"The club knows which period of time we are in," Slot said. "In the meantime, I feel complete support." He also pointed to the fans — crediting Liverpool supporters for singing through the full-time whistle at Parc des Princes, even after being outplayed by PSG. "They were still singing for us and clapping for us." It's a lifeline, but it's not a result.
Robertson's exit, quietly confirmed
Amid the losing run, Thursday brought the news that Andy Robertson will leave Liverpool when his contract expires this summer. Slot was measured about it — acknowledging that reduced playing time made the decision almost inevitable.
"This season he didn't play as much as he was used to — still a lot, but not as much," Slot said. "As a result of that, he's leaving." Robertson didn't even start the PSG game. At 32, he wants regular football; Liverpool's depth at left back means he won't get it here.
Slot's tribute focused on intensity — "I remember most about him probably is the intensity he's always playing with" — and then used that as a pointed callback to a night PSG completely dominated the press and the tempo. Even eulogies have edges right now at Liverpool.
Liverpool's Champions League odds for progression took a hit after that first leg. Slot needs a result at Anfield to keep both the European campaign and his own momentum intact. The support is there. The performances haven't been.
