Competitions to an abrupt end and extended their wait for a first league victory of 2026. For a club that entered the season with expectations of sustained success, the result further intensified the sense of crisis surrounding Slot’s tenure.

The defeat also came with an unwanted slice of history. A stoppage-time strike from Amine Adli in the 95th minute meant Liverpool have now conceded three goals beyond the 90-minute mark that directly resulted in defeats during the 2025–26 Premier League season. That tally represents the most late match-winning goals the club have ever allowed in a single league campaign, underlining recurring issues with game management and concentration.

As the table currently stands, Liverpool face the possibility of ending the weekend as many as 17 points behind league leaders Arsenal. Worse still, they could slip as low as eighth place, a scenario that would further inflame supporter dissatisfaction. Amid this backdrop, speculation has intensified around a potential managerial change, with many fans already eager to see former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso installed at Anfield following his departure from Real Madrid.

Despite the growing unrest, Murphy has suggested that Slot’s position is not yet beyond saving. Speaking exclusively, he argued that Champions League success could fundamentally change the conversation around the Dutchman’s future, even while acknowledging that Liverpool would be unwise not to consider alternative options.

Murphy explained that Liverpool’s next steps will largely depend on how the remainder of the campaign unfolds. He suggested that if Slot were to guide the club to Champions League glory, dismissing him would be almost unthinkable. Winning both the Premier League title in the past and then adding Europe’s biggest prize would typically secure any manager’s position, particularly given the quality within the Liverpool squad, the intimidating atmosphere at Anfield, and the unpredictable nature of knockout football.

At the same time, Murphy stressed that Liverpool’s hierarchy cannot afford to be complacent. With fan dissatisfaction growing, performances falling below expectations, and significant investment already made in the squad, he believes the club must quietly assess potential replacements. While Slot is not solely to blame, Murphy feels that responsibility ultimately rests with the manager.

He pointed out that Slot has had to deal with circumstances no coach could reasonably predict, including the loss of key players and the failure of several new signings to adapt quickly. Nonetheless, the scale of Liverpool’s struggles—particularly the weak title defence and the inconsistent level of performances—has inevitably intensified scrutiny.

Murphy also noted that Alonso’s availability has added fuel to the debate. Given Alonso’s deep connection with the club and the affection he enjoys among supporters, his name naturally dominates discussions whenever Liverpool’s managerial future is questioned. That emotional pull, Murphy suggested, only amplifies calls for change.

Even so, he would be surprised if Liverpool did not allow Slot to see out the remainder of the season. In Murphy’s view, the Dutchman deserves the chance to salvage something meaningful from the campaign before any final decision is made.

However, history suggests that even European success may not guarantee job security. In recent years, several high-profile examples have shown that continental trophies do not always compensate for domestic underachievement. Less than a year ago, Tottenham Hotspur parted ways with Ange Postecoglou despite lifting the Europa League, a reminder of how ruthless Premier League clubs can be when league form collapses.

Liverpool’s situation is not as severe as that Spurs side, which languished near the bottom of the table, but the precedent remains relevant. It demonstrates that silverware alone does not always outweigh sustained struggles in domestic competition.

Chelsea provide another stark example. Roberto Di Matteo famously guided the club to Champions League glory in the 2011–12 season, only to be dismissed just months later after a poor start to the following campaign. That decision reinforced the idea that European triumphs can quickly lose their protective power if league results deteriorate.

With that in mind, Champions League success may not be a guaranteed lifeline for Slot—particularly if progress in Europe comes at the expense of a top-four finish, or even a respectable league position. Liverpool’s owners may ultimately prioritise long-term stability and domestic consistency over a single cup run.

For now, the immediate focus turns back to European competition. Liverpool will conclude the league phase of their Champions League campaign with a home fixture against Qarabag on Wednesday. Victory would secure automatic qualification for the last 16, keeping alive the possibility of the very achievement that could yet transform Slot’s fortunes.

Whether that proves enough to silence the critics remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Arne Slot’s future at Liverpool now hangs delicately in the balance, with every result carrying enormous weight.