Spanish media issue ‘humiliating’ verdict on Arne Slot and Liverpool before Real Madrid clash

Arne Slot and Liverpool have come under fierce criticism from sections of the Spanish press ahead of their upcoming Champions League showdown with Real Madrid. Despite a recent 5–1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, the Reds’ overall form has left many in Spain — and on Merseyside — questioning the direction of Slot’s project.

Liverpool’s 3–0 Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace on Wednesday poured fuel on the fire, with both Vale and SPORT publishing cutting assessments of the Premier League champions’ current state.

Vale described the result at Selhurst Park as “humiliating,” saying Liverpool were “trashed” by an opponent who exposed their lack of defensive organisation and confidence.

Meanwhile, SPORT was even more scathing, suggesting Slot is “failing” to live up to expectations following his high-profile arrival from Feyenoord. The Catalan outlet said the defeat was a “rude awakening” and labelled the situation at Anfield as “untenable.”

One Spanish columnist wrote that Liverpool’s €500 million squad rebuild “doesn’t seem to be enough for Slot to compete in so many competitions,” adding that the Dutchman is still struggling to establish a clear identity or balance in his side.

Phil McNulty, BBC Sport insist Slot’s position is not under immediate threat, and that the club hierarchy remain committed to giving him time to impose his philosophy. However, one win in seven matches across all competitions has left supporters frustrated — particularly with the manner of recent performances.

Slot’s tactical reshaping of Liverpool has shown flashes of promise, especially in the Europa and Champions League outings, but inconsistency remains a defining issue. The Dutchman is still searching for the right blend in attack and midfield, where rotation has led to disjointed displays.

Liverpool will need to regroup quickly, as they prepare to face Real Madrid next week — a rematch steeped in European history and emotion.

After three group-stage games, Slot’s side sit second behind Real Madrid, trailing by three points. Los Blancos have won all three of their matches, while Liverpool’s heavy win over Frankfurt kept their campaign on track.

However, their domestic slump has raised doubts about how they’ll fare against Carlo Ancelotti’s in-form team.

According to Opta’s latest data, Arsenal have overtaken Liverpool as the most likely English club to lift the Champions League trophy, holding a 21.62% probability of success. Liverpool have dropped to fifth favourites (9.05%), behind City, Bayern, and Barcelona.

Interestingly, despite their perfect start, Real Madrid’s chances are rated lower — at 7.18%, reflecting the unpredictability of knockout football.

In Spain, the media narrative surrounding Liverpool has shifted sharply. National sports papers have moved from admiration to open scepticism, portraying Slot’s tenure as a rocky experiment rather than a seamless transition from Jürgen Klopp.

One Madrid-based columnist described the Reds as “a giant in visible decline,” while another noted that the atmosphere at Anfield “feels fragile for the first time in years.”

Such remarks will no doubt motivate Slot and his players heading into their toughest European test yet.

In our view, the Spanish press may be overstating Liverpool’s crisis. Performances have dipped, yes — but Slot’s tactical ideas are still embedding, and several new signings are adapting to the Premier League. The upcoming Real Madrid clash offers the perfect platform for a response.

If Liverpool can rediscover their pressing intensity and rhythm at Anfield, the narrative could shift as quickly as it turned against them.

Liverpool host Real Madrid next Tuesday in a vital Champions League fixture. Victory would reignite Slot’s European campaign — and offer the perfect reply to his critics in Spain.

👉 Liverpool fans — are the Spanish media being disrespectful, or are they simply telling hard truths before Madrid?

By John William — FootballPlace.co.uk