Liverpool's struggles continue, and manager Arne Slot has admitted that the repeated setbacks are taking a heavy toll on his players. The admission comes after a disappointing 3-3 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday, a result that saw them lose further ground on the top four in the Premier League.
The reigning champions have endured a difficult run of form, winning only one of their last five league games. The match against Leeds saw Liverpool relinquish the lead twice, with Ao Tanaka's stoppage-time equalizer ultimately denying them the victory.
Slot acknowledged the team's efforts but highlighted the mental strain of consistently failing to secure positive results. "I think we're improving. Individuals are improving, performances are improving, but it's hard to take for these players as well," he said. "They're putting so much effort in and fighting so hard and not to get the result so many times, one after the other, I think we can understand that does do something to an individual and to a team".
Liverpool had previously lost seven of their last eleven away league games before the match against Leeds. While they managed to secure a point this time, the draw feels like another defeat, further intensifying the pressure on Slot and his team.
"It's not about me, it's what the players feel, what the fans feel, what everyone who loves this football club feels," Slot said. "I think we all feel the same at this moment. But I also hope that everyone sees that these players are fighting really, really hard".
Despite the poor results, Slot remains optimistic and believes the team is showing signs of improvement. "I see us doing many things well this season without the results," he stated. "I can take a lot of positives from this game. Again today, we hardly conceded a chance and conceded three goals".
However, recent form suggests deeper issues plague the team. They have lost nine of their last 12 games in all competitions, including a 4-1 thrashing by PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. This is their worst run of results in 71 years. They were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Crystal Palace.
Liverpool's struggles extend to their league performance, where they sit in 12th place. They have already suffered six league defeats, and alarmingly, have conceded three or more goals in three consecutive matches. The team's defensive frailties, particularly from set-pieces, have been a recurring issue.
Slot, however, remains defiant, insisting that the current situation will not persist. "Yes of course there's a way out, especially with the quality players we have,” he said. “Lately, it's almost constantly that we miss our chances and the ones we concede go in. That will not continue throughout the whole season".
The manager acknowledged the difficult "cocktail to drink" when the team misses chances and concedes easily. While the board and sporting director Richard Hughes continue to support Slot, pressure is mounting for him to turn things around.
