Arne Slot expresses guilt about Liverpools astonishing downturn
Arne Slot confessed to feeling guilty about Liverpools astonishing downturn before Wednesdays Champions League encounter with PSV Eindhoven.
Slots team endured their eighth loss in the past 11 outings on Saturday as Nottingham Forest secured a 3-0 victory at Anfield in the Premier League.
The Reds were anticipated to excel this season following their Premier League title win last year and a busy summer transfer window with fresh acquisitions.
However, they have consistently shown vulnerabilities at the back, and their efforts in midfield and attack have fallen far short of previous standards.
Currently sitting 12th in the Premier League table, marking the first time in over a decade they have dropped into the lower half, the Champions League seems a more promising route to trophies.
Yet Slot recognises that Liverpool must raise their game significantly to compete for Europes top club honour.
When prompted to sum up Liverpools situation, Slot remarked to the press: "Astonishing, nearly. A position I never imagined finding myself in, not at any team Ive coached, especially not leading Liverpool.
"Its incredible. No one at the club, myself included, or anyone else foresaw this, but if such a challenge arises, this might be the ideal club to tackle it since the tougher times strengthen our unity and drive us to pursue the successes typical of Liverpool.
"These circumstances are far from pleasant, I assure you. Frankly, given our tactical approach and the calibre of our squad, I never thought wed end up here.
"No one could have predicted such extensive defeats. I accept full accountability and feel responsible for it. We are actively addressing the issues."
Facing backlash over the teams apparent absence of determination in key phases, captain Virgil van Dijk has urged players to assume greater personal ownership.
Slot rejects the notion that his players are lacking effort, attributing it instead to the strategies used by opponents that cause lapses in focus during critical periods.
We must assume ownership
"No, absolutely not," Slot responded when asked about suggestions that Liverpool have lost their edge. "However, during matches we have conceded too many challenges.
"If I must defend for thirty minutes, Im fully in defensive mindset, hurling myself at every ball.
"Yet when our defenders, and perhaps even the goalkeeper, are focused on retaining possession, at the instant they need to switch to defence, we are not as alert as required."
In spite of their challenges in the league, Liverpool hold eighth place in the Champions League standings, occupying the last direct entry for the knockout stage.
A win against the Dutch outfit PSV at Anfield would solidify their position in the top eight and deliver a much needed lift in spirits following their sixth league loss in seven fixtures.
Dutch striker Cody Gakpo for Liverpool shared that the players have engaged in detailed discussions on resolving their difficulties.
"Post Saturday match, it felt like a humiliation losing 3-0 at home before our supporters, which is unacceptable," the ex PSV player stated.
"In the following days, we were not exactly furious, but we communicated openly and candidly as a group about necessary improvements for better performances.
"All of us recognise the need to own our roles both during and beyond the game. It was more of a teammate dialogue than a formal gathering.
"We understand we must step up in specific areas on the field. That formed the core of our talks."