After an abject FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester City, Liverpool return to action in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday night against Paris Saint-Germain.
Cup exits at the Etihad are no disgrace but the manner of the loss to Pep Guardiola's side - when Liverpool shipped four goals inside a 20-minute period either side of half time - should be a major concern.
Arne Slot's Reds wilt at the first sign of a setback it seems and there has been plenty of criticism to go around on the back of that dismal defeat to City on Saturday lunchtime.
So unsurprisingly such themes have emerged in our weekly Reds' Letter Day feature. The ECHO has once more opened the floor to its readers to give their views on just what is going on at Anfield right now.
I would love to know if this poor brand of football has accelerated the demise of Mo Salah. You don’t drop off that much in a season.
I can still see a world where he gets his mojo back and scores 20 odd per season if the team start playing some decent football again. I think it’s almost now or never for Xabi Alonso at Liverpool. Personally, if I was FSG, in light of where we are, I would pull the trigger.
Gordon Thomas Andrew, Chester
Reality is almost every player in LFC performs well when he goes for international duty but come up short under Slot and that is very much telling. On a Salah replacement, it is impossible without a solid, concrete and effective philosophy and playing style that allows players to showcase what they are capable of.
Wael El-Sorady, Egypt
Dont play Mo and VVD...Just let it be...Not only because they've been below par, but they play almost every single game and at their age it's plain stupid to expect their usual high levels...Throw in Trey Nyoni or Rio Ngumoha at least for 30 minutes, because we are so freaking predictable.
Nabil Arif, Kuala Lumpur
There are many issues at Anfield. The results we see every week are a reflection of them all. There's no quick fix. The FSG model means an average net spend each year of £35 to £40 million. Not enough.
With that model you need many things to go in your favour: Academy players coming through every now and again who are good enough for a first team squad. A few decent free signings every now and again (Milner and Matip).
A coach who can make good players great. Selling players at a profit not a loss. No injuries to key players as squad depth isn't deep. Get rid of players BEFORE their legs go and maximise value from the sale.
Signing good players and making them great. If any one of these things goes west in a season you will be up against it. This season we've seen a number of these things fail.
That said, the team have clearly given up on Slot, and most of the fanbase has too now. Richard Hughes has done him no favours during the summer too. It's time for a clear out off the pitch. Standards have slipped. Great players look poor. The fitness and intensity is zero. There's no mental strength.
I feared we'd see a bad defeat in Manchester and Paris ruin the season. They need to get their act together and fast. Big summer ahead. Big decisions required by FSG. Arne has to go sadly or the rot will continue.
Andy Milburn, Aigburth
One doesn't need to be a sports psychologist or football expert to understand that Slot's reaction and comments...his unfortunately apt description of his players, leads to the irrefutable conclusion that he has 'lost the dressing room'.
During Jurgen Klopp's entire tenure at Anfield, I NEVER heard him say something even remotely close to that...deriding his players. Slot and his style of play / the plodding, dithering, impotent attack has turned this group of players from 'mentality monsters' to mentality mice.
It is clear that the players HAVE lost belief...their confidence has been eroded. It would happen to ANY group of players who had been saddled with the sort of half-hearted, meek approach to trying to win a football game that Slot has imposed on them. "Here you go, lads...take this squirt gun to your knife fight and let's see how you do!"
Yes. I recognise that there ARE other factors: Salah is clearly done and Virgil is not far behind him. Konate continues to be 'a box of chocolates': You never know what you're going to get. Mac Allister hasn't been up to his previous levels, but they are ALL being asked to win football games, with an attacking strategy that is attacking in name, only.
Regardless of how the remainder of this season plays out, a new manager needs to be installed before next season begins. Otherwise, this season-long funeral procession will inevitably be repeated, and NO ONE who cares about the club wants to endure this again.
Roger Barzelay, Maine USA
It was embarrassing to see how we we lost it after 35 minutes against Manchester City, more embarrassing is that we have a manager, obviously without a gameplan, even more worried that he does not react. Not after two goals conceded not after half time but first about 75 minutes played.
Nothing happens, very very unprofessional. From the outside it looks Slot doesn't know what to do, his toolbox is empty and been that since April 25, he does not have the tools or the knowledge to manage a top club in the Premier League.
Poor seasons happen unfortunately! Not the first time. Or the last time. Whoever the manager is! Before you get rid of the manager - what happens if the next does poorly? Will he get sacked? Then another manager? Guess we will become a Chelsea or Manchester United When did those teams last win the Premier League? It was a long time ago. Be careful what you wish for.
Very disappointing not to see the younger players given more of a chance this season, which is something we always saw under Klopp. It would give a bit more rotation in the squad too.
Also tired of seeing players moving in and out of their positions and Virgil having to constantly be looking to cover for all the back 4 positions. No wonder he’s made a few clumsy mistakes plus he’s played every game! Kerkez has his moments and will be a great player but it’s a scandal Robbo hasn’t had regular play.
