Arne Slot – Liverpool’s turbulent campaign hit a new low on Wednesday night as they were dumped out of the Carabao Cup in embarrassing fashion. The Reds, last season’s finalists, were swept aside 3-0 by Crystal Palace at Anfield — the third time Oliver Glasner’s side have beaten them this season.
The defeat compounded a miserable run for Arne Slot’s men, who have now lost six of their last seven matches, including four consecutive defeats in the Premier League. What once looked like a routine early-season blip has now evolved into a full-blown crisis.
Crystal Palace’s Hold Over Liverpool
Palace have become something of a bogey side for the reigning champions. They beat Liverpool on penalties in the Community Shield back in August and stunned them again with a 2-1 win at Selhurst Park in late September — a result that triggered the Reds’ alarming slide in form.
Wednesday’s defeat, though, was arguably the most damaging yet. The Dutchman, who delivered the Premier League title in his debut season, still retains the board’s full support. Club sources have described this downturn as a “difficult but temporary” spell rather than a crisis that warrants drastic action.
Even so, the speculation has been relentless — especially after Jurgen Klopp recently hinted at a possible return. The German, who left Anfield in 2024 after citing burnout, told The Diary of a CEO podcast earlier this month:
“I said I will never coach a different team in England, so that means, if I did return, then it’s Liverpool. So, yeah, theoretically, it is possible.”
The comments have only added fuel to the debate about Arne Slot long-term future.
Arne Slot Message to Supporters
After fans were seen leaving Anfield as early as the 70th minute against Palace, Slot addressed the supporters directly. The 46-year-old admitted the team’s recent form had been “painful” but praised the majority who stayed and continued to back the players.
“If you’re on a run like this, managing Liverpool means you know the pressure is always there,” Slot said.
“But even at 2-0 down, the fans were behind us. That gives me belief that on Saturday, when our players show how much this club means to them, our supporters will be right there with us.”
Liverpool face Aston Villa at Anfield this weekend in what already feels like a must-win clash to halt the slide.
Hamann Backs Schlotterbeck as Van Dijk’s Heir
Off the pitch, Liverpool are already looking ahead to defensive reinforcements. Former Reds midfielder Didi Hamann has urged the club to target Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, touting the 25-year-old as the ideal successor to Virgil van Dijk.
“He’s a natural leader and could play alongside Van Dijk for a couple of years before taking over that role,” Hamann told Esports Bet. “He’d be a great signing for Liverpool.”
With Van Dijk now 34 and Ibrahima Konate’s contract set to expire next summer, strengthening the backline may be high on Liverpool’s January agenda — regardless of whether Slot is still in the dugout by then.
