Liverpool's worst run in 72 years — nine defeats in 12 — increases the risk of another defeat in their next match; punters might back West Ham or Liverpool to fail to score, while avoiding long-term title bets. Short-term markets like match odds or Liverpool to score under 1.5 may offer value for gamblers seeking low-risk plays amid the Reds' slump.
Slot admits overhaul is "almost impossible" as Liverpool sink into crisis
Arne Slot conceded the scale of Liverpool's slump after a humbling 4-1 Champions League defeat at home to PSV Eindhoven left the champions enduring their worst spell in 72 years. The loss marked Liverpool's ninth in 12 matches across all competitions and has plunged the club into the bottom half of the Premier League just months after lifting the title.
Fixture congestion hampering tactical change
Slot defended his reluctance to make sweeping changes, citing relentless fixture congestion and a lack of training time. "Is the question should I change dramatically? If for example you want another system with five defenders that could be an issue. I don't even have five defenders," he said, arguing the squad has largely played the same system throughout their careers and that wholesale tactical shifts are unrealistic with matches every two days.
Scoreline masks some performances, but results are damning
Despite insisting the scorelines do not always reflect their play, Slot acknowledged the results are unacceptable. Wednesday's defeat equalled Liverpool's heaviest home loss in European competition and followed a 3-0 league defeat at Anfield to Nottingham Forest four days earlier. Slot admitted the team has hit "the lowest point" on several occasions this season but insisted the squad still possesses quality that can be unlocked.
Comparisons to City offer faint hope
Slot pointed to Manchester City's poor run at the same stage last season — one win in 13 matches — as evidence that form can turn around. "They have quality and we have quality," he said, urging collective responsibility from both players and management to rediscover winning habits rather than abandoning belief.
Upcoming tests and managerial scrutiny
Liverpool now face a crucial sequence of fixtures, beginning with a trip to West Ham, followed by matches against Sunderland and Leeds. Slot's position will be under intense scrutiny if results do not improve, but the manager insists his focus remains on extracting better performances rather than panicked changes.
Betting implication: short-term markets look most attractive
With confidence low and tactical continuity limited by the schedule, short-term markets — match result, under/over goals and Liverpool to score markets — may provide more reliable value than long-term bets on season outcomes. Punters should weigh form, fixture congestion and defensive frailties when assessing odds for the next few games.
Liverpool manager faces intense scrutiny after ninth defeat in 12 games as Reds slump to bottom half of Premier League table in worst run of form for 72 years
Mirror