Arne Slot, the current manager of Liverpool, has found himself in an unwanted position as he equals a record set by former coach Brendan Rodgers. This record reflects a concerning trend for the team, which is struggling to maintain its Premier League standing.
Disappointing Start to the Season
Liverpool has endured a rough start to the season, currently sitting 11 points behind league leaders Arsenal. The team’s recent performance hit a low point with a 30 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest. This loss has intensified scrutiny on Slot, who is now among the frontrunners for the managerial position to be vacated next.
Historical Parallels
Slot’s record matches that of Brendan Rodgers during the 2014/15 season, where Liverpool suffered six defeats in their opening 12 matches. This equated to just four wins and two draws, totaling 14 points at that stage. In contrast, Liverpool this season has acquired 18 points from six victories, but the six defeats are already higher than the number they recorded in the entirety of the last campaign.
Pressure Mounts on Slot
- Current point total: 18 from 12 matches
- Previous season performance: 6 defeats, 4 total
- Rodgers’ record: 4 wins, 2 draws, 6 losses in 12 matches
Despite the current struggles, there is hope for improvement. During Rodgers’ tenure, after a challenging start, the team managed to secure 12 victories and lost just once in the following 17 league games. Slot must aim for a similar turnaround to ensure job security.
Comparisons to Klopp’s Previous Season
Slot’s challenges bear resemblance to Jurgen Klopp’s experience in the 2022/23 season, where Klopp’s squad earned only 16 points from their first 12 matches. This year, Liverpool is among just four teams in Premier League history to begin a season as defending champions with over six defeats in their first dozen games. Previous teams include Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, and Leicester City.
Future Matches and Opportunities
Upcoming fixtures offer Liverpool a chance for recovery. They will host PSV Eindhoven for a crucial Champions League match, followed by three league games against West Ham, Sunderland, and Leeds. These matches are critical for Slot to rectify the team’s fortunes and reestablish their status in the Premier League.
In summary, Arne Slot is now associating with Brendan Rodgers’ record following a disappointing start to the season. Liverpool needs to reverse its current trajectory to salvage their campaign and bolster the manager’s position moving forward.