Liverpool entered this week facing enormous pressure, and the conversation surrounding Arne Slot’s future as head coach has intensified after the club suffered its ninth defeat in twelve matches across all competitions. What was once viewed as a temporary slump has now become a full-blown crisis, one that has alarmed supporters, former players, and even some voices inside the club. As Liverpool prepare to return to Premier League action against West Ham United on Sunday afternoon, Slot has taken the unusual step of confirming that he has spoken privately with the club’s owners following the latest setback.Can Arne Slot revive this Frankenstein’s monster of a Liverpool side? | Liverpool | The GuardianThe humiliating defeat to Nottingham Forest in the previous league fixture did more than damage morale. It also set an unwanted record, marking one of the worst domestic runs in Liverpool’s modern era. Many supporters left Anfield stunned after witnessing a performance lacking conviction, sharpness, and identity, and it is this pattern — rather than the occasional off-night — that has triggered renewed discussions about Slot’s job security.Liverpool 0-3 Nottingham Forest: Pat Nevin analysis – BBC SportIn the midst of this, Jamie Carragher and other former Liverpool players have made their positions known, with several acknowledging the seriousness of the situation while stopping short of calling directly for Slot’s dismissal. Their commentary reflects what many supporters are already thinking: that the issues go deeper than form, and that Liverpool seem to be drifting without solutions.Liverpool – latest news, breaking stories and comment – The IndependentOn Thursday afternoon, with the pressure mounting, Slot attended his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to West Ham. It did not take long for reporters to ask the question that has dominated headlines — whether he has spoken to the Liverpool ownership group since the loss to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. Slot confirmed that conversations had taken place, but he attempted to present them as routine. According to him, these were the same discussions the two sides have had for the past year and a half, even during periods of success.Arne Slot given ultimatum to drop ‘disgraceful’ Liverpool star or get the sack | talkSPORTSlot emphasised that the message within the club remains one of continuing to fight and striving to improve. He repeated that sentiment several times, insisting that both staff and players are committed to pushing through this difficult period. While he didn’t provide specific details, the insistence that “the conversations have been the same” appeared to be an effort to convey stability, even if the results on the pitch suggest anything but.Observers noted that his tone was calm, if slightly weary, and that he avoided directly addressing whether the owners expressed concerns about his leadership. However, the simple confirmation that communication has taken place behind the scenes was enough to fuel further speculation about the level of pressure he currently faces.As Liverpool attempt to regain momentum, there is at least one small piece of positive context: their historical strength against West Ham. The previous meeting between the sides, on April 13, 2025, ended with a 2-1 victory for Liverpool, courtesy of goals from Luis Díaz and Virgil van Dijk. That match reflected a team with confidence, rhythm, and tactical clarity — elements that have been sorely missing this season.Liverpool are unbeaten in their last nine matches against West Ham, with the Hammers’ last victory in any competition dating back to a Premier League fixture on November 7, 2021. Before that, West Ham had not beaten Liverpool since an FA Cup match in 2016. The historical advantage is significant, but whether it will make any difference in the current context remains uncertain.The head-to-head record paints an even clearer picture: Liverpool have claimed victory 86 times in this fixture throughout history, while West Ham have managed just 29 wins. The remaining 38 matches have ended in draws. On paper, Slot should feel reassured by these numbers as he prepares his squad for another difficult challenge. Yet no amount of statistics can hide the urgency of the moment.Liverpool’s collapse has raised uncomfortable questions about squad balance, leadership, tactical cohesion, and mental resilience. With frustration growing among supporters and scrutiny intensifying from media and pundits, Slot’s acknowledgment of his conversations with the ownership group marks a turning point. It is one thing to face poor form; it is another when the club’s leadership must intervene.The match against West Ham could determine not only Liverpool’s trajectory for the next phase of the season but also the tone of the discussions that follow behind closed doors. Slot insists the club “fight on,” but the pressure he now carries is unmistakably heavier than at any point in his managerial tenure at Anfield. Whether this week becomes the beginning of recovery or the start of irreversible decline remains to be seen, but all eyes will be fixed on Sunday’s performance
The results of Arne Slot’s emergency meeting with Liverpool’s board are in. Slot has finally revealed what was said behind closed doors — and what he admitted has only made his situation even worse.
