When Liverpool fans left Etihad Stadium after the 0-4 defeat to Manchester City, a part of the fans chanted Xabi Alonso's name - the candidate expected to replace Arne Slot in the context of the team falling into crisis.
The disappointment was even greater when the wave of fans leaving the field took place when the FA Cup quarter-final was still more than 20 minutes away. When Man City was leading 4-0, even the most optimistic people no longer believed in a comeback.
This is Liverpool's 15th defeat in all competitions this season - the most since the 2014-2015 season under Brendan Rodgers. At the same time, this is also Slot's biggest defeat since leading the team, and Liverpool's heaviest defeat since the 2-7 defeat to Aston Villa in 2020.
Just one year after winning the Premier League in his first season, Slot is now facing Liverpool's most unstable period in many years.
The first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain in the middle of the week is of vital importance, and may even decide the future of the Dutch strategist at Anfield.
One of Liverpool's biggest problems is the loss of fighting spirit - which was once their identity under Jurgen Klopp. The defeat at the Etihad recreates the scenario that happened in November last year, when they collapsed after personal mistakes and lack of bravery.
Despite starting well and creating opportunities, strikers like Mohamed Salah continuously missed them. Conversely, the defense made continuous mistakes when Virgil van Dijk fouled leading to penalties, while Ibrahima Konate could not prevent Erling Haaland from scoring.
Liverpool has lost 5 matches with a difference of 3 goals or more this season - an alarming number compared to last season. Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai admitted that the team lacks both spirit and determination in playing.
Statistics also show a serious problem. Liverpool has only won 2 out of 19 matches being led this season - a clear decline compared to the "spiritual monster" image before.
Pressure on Slot is increasing as the connection between the coach, players and fans gradually cracks. The image of Szoboszlai reacting to fans after the match further shows that there is a problem within the team.
However, it is impossible to put all the blame on Slot. Injury, unbalanced squad and the departure of Diogo Jota have greatly affected Liverpool's season.
However, in modern football, results are still the decisive factor. Fans leaving the stadium early is certainly a worrying sign for the owner of Fenway Sports Group.
Slot still receives support from the board of directors, but a defeat against PSG or a series of poor results against opponents like Everton, Manchester United or Chelsea could seriously shake his position.
Even if he wins a ticket to the Champions League next season, Slot's future is still uncertain if the team continues to decline.
At the present time, the only way to regain the trust of fans is probably the Champions League title. However, this is a very difficult goal when PSG is in high form and opponents like Bayern Munich or Real Madrid are waiting ahead.
If they cannot create a miracle, this season may very well become the end of Arne Slot's reign at Anfield.
