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Arne Slot's previously unassailable position at Liverpool is beginning to look vulnerable ahead of Saturday night's crucial encounter with Aston Villa. That is according to former Reds striker Peter Crouch, who warns that "serious question marks" will emerge if the club's dismal run of results extends into the weekend.
Slot retains the backing of the Reds hierarchy, however, a devastating sequence of six losses in the previous seven fixtures across all competitions has placed the Dutchman under genuine scrutiny for the first time since his appointment.
The Merseyside club have tumbled to seventh place in the Premier League table, now trailing pacesetters Arsenal by seven points, following four consecutive league defeats.
Their woes deepened with a humiliating 3-0 home capitulation to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, after Slot made 10 alterations and fielded several untested youngsters.
Saturday's kick-off against Villa carries enormous significance, with Unai Emery's men arriving at Anfield buoyed by last weekend's 1-0 triumph over Manchester City.
Whilst Crouch remains convinced that Slot possesses the credentials to reverse Liverpool's fortunes, he acknowledges that recent censure has been warranted.
"He's earned enough grace from last season to certainly see this season through. Now there are concerns and there are question marks over the selection and tactics for the first time in Slot's Liverpool career," Crouch told Paddy Power.
"It was one of those where he actually really needed a win in the Carabao Cup, so to change as many players as he did seemed a little bit strange when they're struggling as much as they are. It needed a little bit more quality than what was picked.
"It was such a young side, I know they had injury problems but I think the balance of play certainly needs to be addressed, because it feels like there's a lack of confidence in their defending at the moment."
When questioned if Slot could face dismissal following another defeat this weekend, Crouch responded: "There will be serious talks behind the scenes. I think just get your best team out and go again. It's a big game against Aston Villa, but no I don't think there will be any knee jerk reactions, there will be some serious question marks, definitely.
"There's certainly pressure on him now, there's pressure if you lose one game at Liverpool, you lose five in a row and that's a serious problem."
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After suffering a third loss to Palace this season, Slot acknowledged the pressure he is under. "If you are on a run of results like this, if you play for Liverpool, if you manage Liverpool, the pressure is there," he stated.
"I don't think it has changed much after this loss."
He is now facing a critical series of matches, with a home game against Villa followed by a Champions League showdown with Real Madrid at Anfield on Tuesday, and a league match at Manchester City next weekend before the international break.
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