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Steven Gerrard has admitted he does not want Arne Slot to lose his job, but fears the next three games could be decisive for the Liverpool manager. Slot is under increasing pressure at Anfield despite winning the Premier League less than a year ago.
Liverpool spent a record £446million last summer, but have endured a disappointing title defence, sitting 21 points behind leaders Arsenal and at risk of missing out on Champions League qualification.
The Champions League now represents their only chance of silverware following defeat to Manchester City. A 4-0 loss at the Etihad over the weekend marked their heaviest FA Cup defeat in 80 years.
Gerrard agreed Liverpool started well but was alarmed by their collapse, and was particularly concerned by Virgil van Dijk’s post-match comments suggesting the players gave up.
“They had the chances, which they never took, and I think we all know in the big games, you’ve got to take your chances when they come along,” the former Liverpool legend told talkSPORT.
“Take nothing away from City, they were outstanding over the course of the game, but it was really worrying and concerning the way Liverpool did crumble, and also even more alarming what the players are saying after the game, in terms of saying there’s no fight, we gave the game up.
“At Liverpool football club, that can’t happen on the pitch, and it certainly can’t be said off the pitch, so worrying times, I must say.”
Following Wednesday night’s clash with PSG, Liverpool host Marco Silva’s Fulham on Saturday, with the Anfield encounter coming amid a demanding Champions League schedule.
Liverpool sit fifth, five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa and six adrift of Manchester United, while holding a narrow cushion over Chelsea, Brentford and Everton. Fulham are five points behind the Reds, and a win would boost their European ambitions.
A victory for Liverpool would help close the gap on the top four and provide some breathing room from the chasing pack. Chelsea face a tricky trip to Brentford, meaning the Reds are likely to remain above both sides unless there is a major swing in goal difference.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa travel to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, while Chelsea host Manchester City before Manchester United face Leeds United on Monday.
Gerrard stressed that securing qualification for next season’s Champions League is just as important as progressing in the two-legged tie against PSG.
He added: “I think it’s key, Gabby, I must say, and that’s why I say in the previous question, I think the Fulham game is just as important.”I think if the ownership and the people above, they see that gap, the villa, and United stretches or gets any worse, I worry for the manager’s position.
“I don’t want to see that happen. I’m a huge fan of Arne Slot. I was blown away by his first season. I must say, he’s a good man, he’s obviously a very, very good coach, the job he’s done.
“I think the key to this situation will be the Fulham game, in terms of if he can put more heat on United and Villa, and he can stay in the PSG game into next week, I think everything will be fine and in a better place in five, six days’ time. But if this was to get any worse, I’d be worried for the manager, I must say.”
Arne Slot’s current contract is set to run until June 30, 2027, marking the end of his third season in charge of Liverpool.
The 47-year-old signed an initial three-year deal when he joined from Feyenoord in 2024, having been identified as Jurgen Klopp’s successor.
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