Right from the early days Arne Slot was Liverpool head coach, a banner was hung at Anfield to honor him.
With the image of the Dutch strategist and the words "Arne's gambling machine", this banner has become a familiar image on the Anfield stands in the past two seasons. For a long time, it seemed to perfectly reflect the image of Liverpool under Slot.
Last season, Liverpool operated smoothly like a machine, far ahead of their chasing opponents and went straight to their 20th Premier League title. However, this season, their title defense journey has deviated. Liverpool is struggling in the top 5 race with Chelsea, Aston Villa and Manchester United.
Just 10 months ago, Slot's machine also brought home the biggest title, but now it is constantly malfunctioning. The 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at home last weekend, in theory, was not even the worst result of the month - when Liverpool had lost to Wolves 1-2 before. However, the fierce reaction from the stands shows that this is probably the most disappointing result.
Dominik Szoboszlai opened the score, but Richarlison equalized in the 90th minute. After the match, Szoboszlai was silent, Mohamed Salah clearly expressed his frustration, and Slot applauded to thank the remaining fans.
However, many boos rang out - something rare at Anfield. Previously, the "Reds" had also been reacted to after losing to PSV Eindhoven 1-4 and a draw with Burnley, but this time the level was unprecedented.
I understand the fans' disappointment. This has happened too many times, when we conceded late goals and lost points. We are all disappointed. But now we have to turn that into motivation for the next match and bring a performance worthy of the fans' support" - Slot admitted.
Liverpool have conceded 10 goals from the 90th minute onwards this season - the most in the top 5 European leagues - and all of them have caused them to lose points.
In that context, the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Galatasaray will become a turning point. This may be the most important match in Slot's term.
Even if they overcome Galatasaray, Liverpool may have to face Paris Saint-Germain - the team that eliminated them last season - and then the away match against Manchester City in the FA Cup.
Confidence in Merseyside is shaking more than ever. Although the leadership - including Richard Hughes and Billy Hogan - still supports Slot, the fact that he has not been extended his contract makes his future uncertain.
Last summer, Liverpool spent heavily, but many contracts did not meet expectations. Alexander Isak is injured for a long time, Florian Wirtz has not shown a worthy fee, and Jeremie Frimpong continuously has physical problems.
In addition, letting Luis Diaz leave without a replacement, along with the decline in form of Salah and Alexis Mac Allister, has seriously affected the team's strength.
However, all those professional factors are still not comparable to the big shock when Diogo Jota died in an accident in July last year - an event that covered the entire season.
However, football is still decided by the result. A Champions League spot will be of vital importance both in terms of reputation and finance for The Kop. And in the context of "credit" from the Premier League championship running out, pressure on Slot is increasing.
Once praised for his composure and control, Slot is now seen as lacking inspiration. For Liverpool - a club that lives on emotions - the indifference of fans is even more dangerous than criticism.
The upcoming match against Galatasaray is therefore of vital importance. If Anfield cannot explode, not only Liverpool's season but also Slot's future may turn in a completely different direction.
