Liverpool’s momentum came crashing down after a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, ending back-to-back wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid.
Goals from Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez, and Jeremy Doku condemned the Reds to their fifth loss in 11 Premier League matches.
Arne Slot’s men now sit eighth in the table, with growing scrutiny on the Dutchman after another heavy defeat on the road, reports Mirror.
Controversy added insult to injury as Virgil van Dijk’s equaliser was controversially disallowed by VAR for alleged offside interference.
Despite criticism, Slot has received private encouragement from Jurgen Klopp, who texted him earlier this season expressing support and understanding.
Klopp revealed last year he’d messaged Slot before his Liverpool arrival, praising his work ethic and calling him a “top, top solution.”
Slot Accepts Responsibility for Tactical Errors
Slot refused to blame his players for the loss, admitting his tactical setup failed to contain Manchester City’s central overloads.
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He said City’s shape forced Liverpool midfielders into difficult positions, disrupting rhythm and leaving the Reds exposed in defensive transitions throughout the first half.
Slot acknowledged his game plan faltered and accepted full responsibility, adding that his team deserved at least one goal after halftime.
Meanwhile, former referee Keith Hackett criticised VAR’s decision to rule out Van Dijk’s goal, describing it as “a perfectly good goal wrongly disallowed.”
Liverpool now face pressure to bounce back immediately before their Champions League fixtures resume later this month.
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