Coach Arne Slot called Liverpool's shameful 1-2 defeat to Wolves a "old story". And he did not exaggerate.
There was nothing new or surprising in Liverpool's painful but too familiar defeat at Molineux. Slot's team started with a terrible first half, giving the opponent a goal to open the score, then equalizing, before collapsing again and conceding the decisive goal in injury time.
That is a series of chaotic developments that Slot himself admitted to have captured Liverpool's entire season. The Kop are weakening both mentally and physically, and now face the real risk of ending the season outside the top 5 of the Premier League - just one year after winning the championship.
So, the obvious question is what will Slot do to change the situation? Or more precisely, what can he do?
Up to this point, the Dutch strategist has hardly provided any evidence that he can reverse the situation. Conversely, the reasons to keep Slot on the coaching bench after the season end is gradually collapsing.
However, there are still a number of fans who do not accept the idea that Slot should be sacked. And that is completely understandable.
He is one of the two rare coaches who helped Liverpool win the national championship in the past 36 years. And more notably, Slot did it in his first season leading the team.
Therefore, many people believe that Slot deserves more time. However, this argument now carries more emotional elements than rationality.
It mainly stems from gratitude for the Dutch coach - who brought Liverpool fans one of the most glorious moments of the club. And therefore, they believe that he deserves loyalty, at least until the end of the season.
In addition, fans are also proud that Liverpool is not a "club that fires coaches". At Anfield, coaches are often valued more than players and are supported in difficult times. This is consistent with the spirit of the club's traditional song - You'll Never Walk Alone.
However, tradition and glory in the past cannot be the only reason for Slot to continue in office. Current difficulties are directly threatening Liverpool's future.
The latest financial report shows that winning a Champions League spot plays an extremely important role in the club's economic stability, especially after record spending on transfers and salaries last summer.
If Liverpool cannot finish the season in the top 5, financial and sports consequences may be very serious. And then, the question about Slot's future will become unavoidable.
Even the most enthusiastic supporters of Slot are being tested for their faith in the Dutch captain in a way they could hardly imagine less than a year ago. And they are also starting to get tired of that "old story".
If Slot cannot quickly reverse the situation, Liverpool probably will have no choice but to change coaches.
