Alexis Mac Allister’s struggles have mirrored Liverpool’s this season
After guiding Liverpool to Premier League glory in his first season at the club, the story couldn’t be any different really for Arne Slot this time round as they falter in England’s top-flight.
The Reds cantered to the Premier League title by 10 points last season ahead of Arsenal, but they now find themselves fifth in the league – and in real danger of failing to qualify for next campaign’s Champions League.
Liverpool are currently on 49 points, five adrift of Aston Villa in fourth, and have Chelsea for close company behind. There has been much speculation surrounding Slot’s future at the club based on their poor run of form and lacklustre performances.
And former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy, who made 249 appearances for the English giants, believe time is potentially running out for Slot to turn things around – although he did say the players should be feeling the burden too.
Murphy said, via CasinoHawks: “I do think a lot of players have let him down a little bit. And whether some of that comes from, after you’ve won the league or you’ve had a great season, you start getting a little bit complacent, some of the players have to take responsibility.
“But ultimately, too many times, that lack of tactical element in the latter part of games and that lack of organisation tactically from the manager is really prominent. I don’t remember a time when a group of Liverpool fans have really turned this much on a manager and the manager has been able to turn it round. And that’s a worry for him now.
“The saving grace for him, of course, is they still have an opportunity to do something wonderful this season. They’re in two trophies and they’re still vying for Champions League places, so he could turn it round.
“That’s why I think Liverpool won’t panic. I think they’ll keep him in a job, and I think he probably deserves that to be honest with you, to the end of the season, and then see where they’re at then. But I think if they keep playing the way they are, qualifying for the Champions League and winning it looks very unlikely. And to me, I think that would mean the end.”
Despite still being in the Champions League and FC Cup, it’s looking pretty ominous for Slot and his Liverpool side.
They face Manchester City away next in the FA Cup on Saturday and then take on last season’s winners Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals. Exit both those competitions, and Murphy’s prediction could come true.
