Liverpool board had 'worry' about Arne Slot after two results this season

Liverpool’s hierarchy reportedly had brief concerns over Arne Slot following two results this season, though internal confidence remained and no drastic action was ever close

Arne Slot retains the backing of Liverpool's board(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool’s board briefly had concerns over new head coach Arne Slot earlier this season, following two results that sparked internal discussion at Anfield.

Slot’s Liverpool thrashed Qarabag 6-0 after a dismal defeat to Bournemouth. Winless in their last five Premier League games, the Reds sit sixth, behind Manchester United and Chelsea. With key injuries and looming clashes against Newcastle and Manchester City, the club's Champions League hopes look increasingly fragile.

After lifting the title just eight months ago, this season the Reds have collected only 36 points from 23 games. Just 21 of those points have come from the last 18 matches, with discontent among supporters continuing to grow.

The 47-year-old remains under intense pressure despite retaining backing from the Anfield hierarchy.

However, reports from the Daily Mail suggest that there was a brief moment of concern among the club’s owners after consecutive home defeats to Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven in late November.

Slot’s contrast with his predecessor Jurgen Klopp once felt refreshing, but is now viewed less favorably. What was expected to be a smooth second season has instead become the true transition.

Having spent $616 million on new signings in the summer, Liverpool finds itself outside the top four, with just 10 wins from 23 league games and a goal difference of three. As a result, Slot’s early fight for acceptance has effectively had to restart.

Reports also suggest that Slot also feels a degree of disrespect at how swiftly last season’s achievements appear to have been forgotten.

The Athletic also reports that while Slot is feeling pressure from his superiors, he is not close to losing his role as head coach.

Liverpool's board was reportedly concerned following defeats to PSV and Nottingham Forest(Image: Getty Images)

He continues to enjoy a strong working relationship with sporting director Richard Hughes, in contrast to the breakdowns seen recently at United and Chelsea.

Both clubs have improved after managerial changes following the exits of Ruben Amorim and Enzo Maresca, but such comparisons are considered misplaced.

Slot is not facing the axe, yet Liverpool is understandably dissatisfied with how the campaign has unfolded. According to The Athletic, there is regular internal scrutiny and ongoing discussion over what might have been done differently.

Slot has repeatedly highlighted issues and believes that Liverpool’s stronger European form reflects how the Premier League’s renewed emphasis on direct play and set-pieces has yet to fully spread across the continent. Injuries, particularly in defence, have compounded those problems.

Meanwhile, marquee summer signing Florian Wirtz has taken time to settle, with the introverted German still finding his voice and rhythm, though recent displays have shown encouraging signs.