It’s not often a club legend turns public critic — but when Liverpool FC collapses like this, even Jamie Carragher can’t stay silent. On November 26, 2025, the team lost 4-1 to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield Stadium, their third straight defeat by three or more goals — the first time that’s happened since December 1953. Just six months after lifting the Premier League trophy, Arne Slot is staring down a cliff. And according to Jamie Carragher, the man who made 737 appearances for the club, he’s got until Saturday, November 30, to turn it around.
A Run Like No Other
Nine losses in twelve games. That’s not just bad form. It’s historic. The last time Liverpool endured a slide this deep was in 1954 — before television, before European Cups, before Mohamed Salah even dreamed of playing in red. Carragher didn’t mince words in his Sky Sports column: "No matter how much goodwill the manager has, Liverpool cannot sustain the drop in standards witnessed over the past three months." The numbers don’t lie. Goals conceded: 27 in those 12 games. Expected goals (xG) per match: down 34% from last season. The defense? Shattered. The midfield? Confused. The attack? Stranded.What Went Wrong?
Carragher points to two things: tactics and transfers. He says Slot’s system, introduced in May 2024, "felt wrong on day one." The high press, once lethal under Jürgen Klopp, has become predictable. Players are running into walls — literally and figuratively. And then there’s the spending. Around £440 million poured into summer signings, including Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. Neither has fit. Neither has clicked. "It’s an unbalanced squad," Carragher wrote. "We bought for potential, not cohesion." But the bigger issue? The aging core. Virgil van Dijk, 33, no longer dominates aerial duels like he did in 2019. Mohamed Salah, 33, looks tired. His runs aren’t explosive anymore — just desperate. And Alisson Becker, 32, has missed six games this season with injuries. "You’re watching Van Dijk now, not the same player," Carragher said. "Salah looks like his legs have gone."
A Glimpse of the Future?
Here’s the twist: Carragher isn’t just criticizing Slot. He’s warning the club. "This is maybe a snapshot of the future of Liverpool when Mo Salah moves on, Virgil van Dijk moves on, and Alisson moves on." That’s the real fear. The club didn’t just lose a game. They lost their identity. And without a clear succession plan, they’re now playing with ghosts. Slot’s obsession with the Champions League — something Carragher heard firsthand after a chance encounter — may have blinded him to the need for stability. "We’ve won the league," Slot reportedly said. "But we want to win the Champions League." That ambition is noble. But not when your team is falling apart.The Chelsea Test
The clock is ticking. Liverpool’s next match? Against Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, November 30, 2025. Not Anfield. Not a home crowd. Not a friendly fixture. A must-win on the road. Win, and the narrative shifts. Lose, and the calls for Slot’s dismissal won’t just come from pundits — they’ll echo through the stands. Fans are already organizing protests. Social media is ablaze with #SlotOut. Even the club’s board, led by Fenway Sports Group, can’t ignore the momentum.
What’s Next?
Slot still has one card left: his reputation. He won the Eredivisie with Feyenoord. He’s smart. He’s calm. But football doesn’t reward calm when results are catastrophic. If he starts with a back four instead of his preferred three-center-back system, if he plays Darwin Núñez upfront instead of rotating, if he gives young talents like Caoimhín Kelleher or Bobby Clark meaningful minutes — maybe, just maybe, he can salvage this. But here’s the truth: Liverpool’s crisis isn’t about one manager. It’s about a generation passing. The club didn’t prepare for this. They assumed Salah, Van Dijk, and Alisson would keep winning forever. They didn’t rebuild. They delayed. And now, the cost is being paid in real time.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jamie Carragher so critical of Arne Slot?
Carragher, a Liverpool legend with 737 appearances, believes Slot’s tactical changes have dismantled the team’s identity. He’s not just upset about results — he’s alarmed by the decline in defensive structure, player confidence, and squad balance. His criticism stems from deep familiarity with the club’s culture and expectations, not just statistics.
How does this compare to Liverpool’s past managerial crises?
The last time Liverpool faced such a prolonged slump was under Roy Evans in 1998, when they lost seven of eight games. But even then, they had a core of young stars like Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler. This time, the core is aging, and the replacements haven’t arrived. The stakes are higher because expectations are higher.
What’s the financial impact of this slump on Liverpool FC?
A group stage exit from the Champions League could cost Liverpool over £60 million in revenue. Sponsorship deals may be renegotiated, and ticket sales for 2026/27 could drop if fan confidence erodes. Fenway Sports Group invested heavily in the squad — now they face a potential write-down on over £440 million in transfer spending.
Could Arne Slot survive if he beats Chelsea?
A win against Chelsea wouldn’t erase the last three months, but it would buy time. If Liverpool then win their next two league games — especially against Manchester United and Arsenal — the pressure eases. But the board will still demand a clear plan for rebuilding the squad around younger players, not just patching the current one.
What role do injuries to Alisson, Van Dijk, and Salah play in this crisis?
Their absence isn’t just about missing stars — it’s about losing leadership, experience, and emotional anchors. When Alisson is out, the defense panics. When Van Dijk sits, the backline fractures. When Salah doesn’t run at defenders, the whole team loses its rhythm. They’re not just players — they’re the glue holding this era together.
Is there any evidence Slot is making adjustments?
Training reports suggest he’s experimented with a 4-2-3-1 formation in recent sessions, reverting to last season’s structure. He’s also reportedly increased communication with senior players like Trent Alexander-Arnold. But until these changes show up in match results, skepticism will remain — especially from fans who remember what this club looked like when it was dominant.
