Problems are mounting at Anfield after Liverpool suffered a 4-1 defeat at home to PSV Eindhoven as scrutiny intensifies for head coach Arne Slot
Steve McManaman believes it is "too early" to consider sacking Liverpool head coach Arne Slot. The Dutchman is under mounting pressure after the Reds suffered their ninth defeat in 12 after PSV Eindhoven's 4-1 win at Anfield.
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard agreed with his former Anfield teammate regarding the former Feyenoord boss's job security on Merseyside. Although the 45-year-old claimed that "serious questions" will be asked of the Premier League-winning tactician.
As a result of the disappointment at the hands of the Eredivisie side, the Reds are now out of the automatic qualification places for the Champions League knockout phase. In Europe, Liverpool face tough trips away from home to Inter Milan and Marseille before welcoming Qarabag to Anfield in the final group match.
But the Dutchman is facing increasing calls to be relieved of his duties at Anfield after a run of nine defeats in their last 12.
However, McManaman and Gerrard rushed to his defence.
"I think no. I think it's far too early, what he's achieved and where he is now this year, that's a good run of fixtures," said McManaman.
"I understand the question completely but with that run of fixtures, Liverpool still fighting in the Champions League, it's far too early to come up with a question like that. They will have to be knocked out of the Champions League and wallowing at the bottom of the league.
"I think they play Arsenal second week in Jan, that's when the question should be asked. Hopefully they'll have climbed the table. You have to give him time for the signings, who have constantly been injured, they're ones you'd expect to come in and lift the team.
"If anything, they've detracted from the team, they look lobsided. It's far too early to ask a manager that question when he's achieved so much in a small space of time, I do understand the world we live in, that question will be bandied around."
Gerrard said: "That's the world we live in, that's football in the modern day. I've been in that position myself.
"You understand that if you're not getting the results, there is going to be serious questions asked, stewards inquiry, that comes with the territory especially at the top end.
"I agree Macca, from me and you because we lived through it and suffered. I've been both sides. It's going to come."
Virgil van Dijk was at fault for the opener as the hosts were handed another nightmare start after the Liverpool captain was penalised for a handball in the penalty area.
Dominik Szoboszlai hit back to equalise for the Reds before Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike and Virgil van Dijk came close before the break. Alexis Mac Allister, Van Dijk and Gakpo all had opportunities to steer Liverpool in front.
However, they failed to make them count and PSV capitalised on a glut of errors from Liverpool as Guus Til and a Couhaib Driouech double compounded the misery for Slot.