Liverpool manager Arne Slot has pledged to continue fighting for his job after emergency talks with the club's hierarchy, despite growing speculation about a sensational return for former boss Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool's alarming collapse
The pressure on Slot intensified dramatically following Wednesday night's 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven, which extended Liverpool's worst run of form in over seven decades. This disappointing result comes after what had been a perfect start to the season.
Liverpool began their Premier League title defence with five consecutive victories, extending to seven wins including post-Community Shield matches. However, the campaign has unravelled spectacularly with four straight losses followed by an ongoing struggle to regain form.
Slot's determination amid mounting pressure
Addressing journalists during Thursday's press conference, the Dutch coach remained defiant about his position. "No matter how difficult it is, we need to fight together," Slot declared, showing his determination to reverse the team's fortunes.
Despite the poor results, Mirror Football understands that Slot isn't facing immediate dismissal. However, the speculation surrounding potential replacements has already begun circulating within football circles.
Klopp emerges as overwhelming favourite
Bookmakers have installed Jurgen Klopp as the clear favourite for a stunning Anfield comeback, barely a year after his emotional departure from the club. The German manager achieved legendary status during his previous tenure, delivering the Champions League trophy in 2019 before securing Liverpool's first league title in 30 years the following season.
Experienced German journalist Marcel Reif provided a dramatic assessment of the situation to BILD, stating: "Liverpool isn't just in a mess. It's practically burned to the ground! The timing of this statement is terrible for Slot. He's hovering over Anfield like a UFO. All of Liverpool would carry him back on their shoulders."
Reif added that it would be "negligent if they didn't try to bring Klopp back" and noted that the scars from his departure remain fresh among supporters.
Klopp's recent comments fuel speculation
The speculation gained significant traction after Klopp's recent appearance on Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO podcast, where he made a telling admission about his future. "I said I will never coach another team, a different team, in England. So that means if then it's Liverpool... yeah. Theoretically it's possible," Klopp revealed.
Since leaving Anfield, Klopp has taken roles as head of global soccer with the Red Bull group and an advisory position with the German Football League. However, Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness recently questioned whether this would satisfy him long-term.
"I could never imagine him as an official travelling around the country, to New York, looking after the various teams," Hoeness stated. "I have always admired Jurgen Klopp as a coach who is on the pitch, who develops a team, who moves a team forward with his personality."
According to The Sun, Liverpool are considering approaching Klopp about returning until the end of the season if Slot is dismissed, with PSG manager Luis Enrique identified as a long-term target.
As the crisis deepens at Anfield, Jamie Carragher has reportedly given Slot just one week to save his job, adding to the intense scrutiny surrounding the Dutchman's position.
