The tone in the Netherlands has shifted dramatically. For months, Dutch outlets consistently backed Arne Slot, defending him through Liverpool’s early-season turbulence. Now, however, even his strongest sympathisers are beginning to sound alarms. Former Netherlands international Wim Kieft has warned in his De Telegraaf column that Liverpool could dismiss Slot within the next two to three matches if results do not improve immediately.
For a manager once hailed as the “magician of Rotterdam”, this represents a drastic turning point — and a stark reflection of Liverpool’s collapse since their perfect start.
The Reds opened the campaign with five straight wins, a run that positioned Slot as one of the Premier League’s early success stories. Since then, they have endured a staggering slide: six defeats in their last seven league matches and only three wins in their last 12 across all competitions. Back-to-back home losses to Nottingham Forest and a bruising 4–1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven have only intensified scrutiny.
Dutch media, once protective, now openly questioning Slot
Netherlands warning sits at the heart of this discussion. Kieft, typically measured, adopted a notably blunt tone.
“Even the magical Arne Slot can’t turn this around overnight. He can’t conjure up goals… what no one thought possible could easily happen: Slot being fired after two or three more poor results.” — Wim Kieft, *De Telegraaf*
This is not the first time Dutch coverage has turned critical, but the intensity is new. Kieft insists Liverpool’s decline is no longer superficial — it is structural.
The big-money signings under scrutiny
Liverpool spent heavily last summer to reshape the squad:
All three were expected to elevate Liverpool into a new era. Instead, they have struggled to adapt, contributing sporadically in moments rather than forming a cohesive attacking unit. Kieft was particularly pointed regarding the club’s investment strategy.
“By signing Wirtz and Ekitiké for €137m and €80m, Liverpool took a costly risk… quality doesn’t guarantee they can compete in English football.” — Wim Kieft
Although some English analysts argue the new signings simply need time, other indications — especially from the Netherlands — suggest their adaptation has been slower than expected.
The Van Dijk–Salah crisis
Kieft also highlighted two senior players whose inconsistency has shocked Dutch observers: Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
“Van Dijk and Salah are unrecognisable… the defence concedes an awful lot of goals. Salah’s performance is minimal. But surely those two haven’t suddenly forgotten their skills?” — Wim Kieft
From my experience analysing Liverpool this season, this is perhaps the most worrying dynamic: the spine that once carried Liverpool’s title challenge has regressed sharply at the exact moment Slot needs them at their best. Although some insist form is temporary, the pattern now looks systemic rather than coincidental.
Sky Austria fuel rumours of an unexpected replacement
Adding to the uncertainty, Sky Austria have floated Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner as a potential candidate should Liverpool make a change. While speculative, the rumour reflects how widely the discussion has spread across Europe.
Stats Snapshot (2025/26 – template)
| Category | Liverpool 2025/26 |
|---|---|
| Last 12 Matches (all comps) | 3 wins |
| Last 7 Premier League matches | 6 losses |
| Last 3 home games | 3 defeats |
| Goals conceded vs PSV | 4 |
source: sofascore match data – 30 November 2025
These numbers underline the severity of the downturn. Liverpool are not simply underperforming — they are collapsing statistically across defensive and attacking metrics.
Is Slot really close to the edge?
In our view, Kieft’s warning is rooted less in insider information and more in pattern recognition. Because Liverpool’s downward spiral shows no tactical progression, Dutch observers are beginning to believe the project may be unravelling faster than expected. Although some sources still insist Slot retains the board’s trust, other indications — including the messaging from the Netherlands — suggest the pressure is real.
The biggest nuance here is expectation. Liverpool didn’t hire Slot to steady the ship; they hired him to innovate, compete and transition into a new era. Big-money signings, marquee renewals and a sweeping tactical overhaul elevated pressure from day one. When results fail so spectacularly, critiques intensify swiftly.
Key Insights
- Wim Kieft warns Slot could be fired within two–three poor results.
- Liverpool have lost six of their last seven league matches.
- Heavy investment in Wirtz, Ekitiké and Isak has not paid off.
- Van Dijk and Salah’s form described as “unrecognisable”.
- Sky Austria have linked Oliver Glasner to Liverpool.
What’s Next
Liverpool face West Ham on 30 November, a match that may define the direction of their season — and possibly the future of their manager. Sunderland and Leeds follow, forming a three-game run that could determine whether Slot survives the winter.
👉 Liverpool fans — has Slot reached the point of no return, or does he deserve more time to steady the ship?
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