Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes time is rapidly running out for manager Arne Slot, fearing that even a top-five finish is now looking a challenge.
The Reds have mounted an underwhelming defence of their Premier League title this term. Following a demoralising 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the Amex on Saturday – their 10th league loss of the campaign -Liverpool find themselves in fifth place and in a battle to qualify for the Champions League.
The defeat to the Seagulls, sealed by a Danny Welbeck double, highlighted the defensive frailties that have plagued Slot’s side. Murphy senses that for many supporters, the breaking point has been reached.
Despite still being active in the Champions League, Liverpool’s domestic form has plummeted, leading Murphy to tell talkSPORT that he sees a familiar, dark pattern emerging.
“The fanbase, for the first time in a long, long time, has turned,” Murphy said.
“As a Liverpool supporter growing up and a player there, I can’t think of a time where a manager has lost the fanbase and turned it round. I just don’t remember it happening.
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“Because the Liverpool fans are good at it, they don’t tend to turn, but when they do, I’ve never seen anyone get it back. So, it feels a little like it’s inevitable what’s coming.
“When you see the performances, the drop-off is huge, and it doesn’t look like getting better.
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“For a team that’s got an abundance of talent, and quality players, experienced players, they don’t look like they’ve got any chance of finishing in the top five, the way they play.”
With an FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City looming after the international break, Slot is under immense pressure to prove that this “huge drop-off” is merely a blip and not the end of his tenure.
