Just a few years ago, coach Arne Slot also witnessed the enthusiastic atmosphere at Anfield when Jurgen Klopp publicly sang the name of his successor as a message full of goodwill. But 2 years later, that sound changed completely.
In the 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Chelsea, Anfield repeatedly heard boos aimed at Slot. First when he withdrew Rio Ngumoha from the field, and then when the final whistle sounded, closing another disappointing performance of Liverpool.
The substitution of Ngumoha itself is actually not too surprising. Slot explained that the 17-year-old talent has had cramps and has never played a full professional match in his career. However, what is noteworthy is the reaction from the stands. Liverpool fans want to continue to see Ngumoha rather than placing their faith in other options in the attack.
That also inadvertently reflects the disappointment for Alexander Isak, a contract worth 125 million pounds but not meeting expectations. This is no longer a single reaction. 7 weeks earlier, Liverpool was also booed fiercely after a draw against Tottenham Hotspur under coach Igor Tudor.
These two draws are not a disaster, but they reflect a worrying reality when a large part of Liverpool fans are gradually losing faith in Slot.
However, the Dutch strategist still believes that he can reverse the situation: "I believe that will happen. Not right this season. Fans have the right to keep their opinions. But if we have a transfer window as planned, I believe Liverpool next season will be a completely different team".
Slot's belief is based on hope for a summer of force rebuilding. Liverpool this season revealed too many problems, from instability, inefficiency in finishing, loss of control in set pieces to frequently losing momentum at important times.
However, the feeling around Anfield shows that many people have early made a verdict about Slot after a series of nine defeats in 12 matches in the fall. The initial criticisms that appeared on social networks have now spread to the stadium stands.
The big question now is no longer whether Liverpool has a problem or not, but whether Slot is capable of changing the trajectory of his reign or not. English football history has witnessed many coaches ending the season in crisis, hoping for a new start after the summer, but in the end still having to leave their positions just a few months later.
Currently, Slot still receives support from Liverpool's leadership, although he no longer maintains absolute trust in fans. He also does not avoid pressure or deny the reality.
Liverpool currently only has 2 matches left to close a long and tiring season with a total of 55 matches. One of them will be the last match at Anfield this season, where Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson are likely to be honored as modern symbols of the club.
In that atmosphere, Slot may be overshadowed. Even, for a part of the fans, the match against Brentford on May 24 can be seen as the last time he appears at Anfield.
However, there is still a "silent majority" who believe that Slot deserves more time after a volatile season. And more importantly, Liverpool's leadership seems to share that view.
But Slot's biggest task now is what Klopp once turned into a famous slogan at Liverpool - turning skeptics into believers. Slot must find a way to restore that trust before it's too late.
